Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) has recognized holiday partners who have filled children’s wish lists and, as a result, made a significant difference during the holidays for many foster children in our community.
“We are very blessed to have community partners who understand there are foster children who have difficult holiday experiences based on their family situation,” said Tracey Heisler, Executive Director of CASA SHaW. “The holidays can bring grief and loss for kids in the foster care system, and the gifts our community partners have been able to generously provide means the world to these children,” said Heisler.
CASA SHaW would like to recognize the following companies, organizations and individuals who helped to fulfill the wish lists of the children our organization serves: Asbury Coffee Mill, Bernardsville Girl Scouts, Brunswick Urgent Care, Falcon Engineering, Financial Resources, Fulton Bank of New Jersey, Goddard School, New York Life, Peapack Women’s Club, Somerset County Library, Sts. Basilios and Gregorios Church, Wendy’s
In addition to filling wish lists, CASA SHaW received donations of books from the Elizabeth Snyder-Continental Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The organization also received blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, gift cards, personal care kits, and First Night bags from local Women’s Clubs throughout the region. Also, dolls and doll clothes from the readers of the Courier News were given, as well as toys and gift cards from Honor Yoga. Hats, gloves, and scarves were additionally provided by Nancy Verdun.
“When a community comes together for a common purpose, we see positive results,” said Heisler. “Children who live their life waiting to be adopted often lose their sense of hope and magic you so often see in their eyes. They wait, wondering if they will receive a gift from Santa or someone who cares. We thank our many community partners care because they’ve been such an inspiration during this holiday season,” Heisler said.
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 casaofnj.org.
