Hundreds of Foster Children to Receive Gifts from the CASA Santa’s Shop
December 18, 2018 (Colorado Springs, Colo.) — CASA of the Pikes Peak Region is pleased to announce the opening of its 2018 Santa’s Shop which will provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of foster children throughout the Pikes Peak Region.
Thanks to the community’s generous support, the shop is stocked with new toys, books, games, clothing, pajamas, coats, and more, and it gives CASA volunteers (or Court Appointed Special Advocates) an opportunity to choose items for the children they’re serving.
In addition to the festive holiday shop for younger kids, teens in foster care were given the option of choosing a filled stocking, a gift, or a gift card for those who may find more enjoyment in picking out their own gift.
A CASA volunteer advocate for more than 20 years, Karen Hilborn organizes Santa’s Shop each year.
“Very often, children living in foster care don’t have a lot of belongings they can call their own,” Hilborn explained. “On top of that, they’re separated from parents or siblings, school friends, and other familiar faces. Providing them with Christmas gifts is one way we can lift their spirits during a time of the year that’s often very difficult for them.”
For each child, a CASA volunteer is allowed to choose one outfit, one book, one toy or game, one stuffed animal, and one pair of pajamas. At least 300 children are expected to receive gifts from CASA this year.
At any given time, there are 900 kids from the Pikes Peak Region who are in the child welfare system due to abuse, neglect or domestic violence. Last year, CASA volunteers were appointed by District Judges to advocate for more than 700 of these children.
There are several ways to get involved with CASA year-round. Community members who want to give time, money, or in-kind donations can visit www.casappr.org or follow CASA of the Pikes Peak Region on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.