CASA SHaW Distributes Holiday Gifts
During this holiday season, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) received hundreds of gifts from various community groups, businesses, and residents. The holiday spirit has certainly filled the CASA SHaW offices with gifts for the vulnerable children we serve on a daily basis.
“Children in foster care usually have a different experience during the holidays than children who spend this time of year with their biological mother or father. Often, foster children feel lonely and disconnected,” said Tracey Heisler, Executive Director of CASA SHaW. “Our goal is to make sure these children know they are not forgotten during the holiday season. We’ve been so blessed to receive countless gifts from so many of our community partners that will brighten up these children’s lives,” Heisler said.
Many organizations donated holiday gifts this year that were distributed to children in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties. These partners included Financial Resources Federal Credit Union, Fulton Bank, Saints Basilios-Gregorios Orthodox Church, Goddard School of Flemington, New York Life, Jack and Jill of America, Wendy’s, St. John on the Mountain Church, the Peapack/Gladstone Women’s Club, Barry’s Appliance, and several individuals as well.
Father Vijay Thomas from Saints Basilios-Gregorios Orthodox Church in North Plainfield said, “a few years ago Tracey came to a meeting of local town officials and clergy and we were all so impressed with what CASA SHaW has done for children. Ever since that meeting, my parish has been excited to support CASA SHaW advocates for foster children in our community. My parish is always looking to support organizations that do good work, which is why we love working with CASA SHaW. They support and give a voice to children who need an advocate.”
“We strive to keep Dave Thomas’ ideals and beliefs at the heart of the Wendy’s culture,” says Laura Butrico, Wendy’s franchisee and president of The Rawson Group. Thomas was the founder of Wendy’s. “One thing that Dave believed in was that everyone has a responsibility to give something back to help those who can’t help themselves. The holiday gift initiative allows our restaurants and team members to do just that and to brighten the holidays for children in our community.”
Evette Alexander or Jack and Jill of America said, “our organization is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children. The Central New Jersey Chapter is delighted to partner with CASA SHaW to fill holiday wishes for children they serve in our community.”
“Fulton Bank was pleased to be a part of the CASA SHaW Toy Drive once again this year,” said Tammy Case from Fulton Bank. “Filling the Christmas Wish Lists for these foster children is a highlight of our community outreach for the holiday season,” Case said.
Deneen Murawinski from New York Life said, “The New York Life Foundation is committed to creating brighter futures for children and supporting organizations like CASA’s that share this mission. Our partnership is a powerful way for our employees to support our company value of humanity and make a difference in the community that will impact generations to come.”
During the holiday season, CASA SHaW filled 190 children’s wishes and shared toys, clothes, and books with several of our community partners to help other children in need throughout our tri-county region.
CASA of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profit programs that recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to “Speak Up for a Child” removed from home due to abuse or neglect. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home. To find a local CASA program in your county, visit www.casaofnj.org.
