Making a List and Checking it Twice: The Holiday Season Arrives for CASA of McHenry County

Throughout November and December, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of McHenry County is abuzz with wish lists, gift deliveries, and the magic of the holidays. Donors, both organizations and individuals, provide holiday gifts for the 241 children CASA serves. Volunteer Advocates engage with youth in care throughout the entirety of the DCFS case, and advocate for the best interest of each child in their community and in court.

Stacy Scala-Krajewski, CASA’s Program Director, notes, “We have very generous donors who come through for our kids to make sure they have a special Christmas. Jill Panko’s organization, Giving Door, has been instrumental to CASA in making gift giving to our children very successful.”

Throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas, children make their wish lists with items they want and need. Gifts are brought to the office by donors and CASA volunteers get to take the packages to the children whose case they serve.

While discussing how important these gifts are, especially to the older youth, volunteer Advocate Diane Johnson states, “As a CASA, I have seen teens literally amazed that they have received not just a gift card, but a wrapped gift to open for Christmas, such as a basketball, make-up, a sports jersey, or a book.”

Holiday magic can mean many different things to different families, and this is no exception for the McHenry County youth in foster care. For some, it’s something as simple as toddler pajamas and teething toys, for others it’s the excitement of a bike, the highly coveted shoes so they can be on trend at school, or the first real gift they’ve ever received. For all the youth served by CASA it also means normalcy; a chance to receive joy during the holiday season, and a chance to be cared for and told how much they matter.

For more information about CASA of McHenry County, and to sign up for an info session, visit www.casamchenrycounty.org.

CASA of McHenry County

382 W Virginia St

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Ph:  (779) 994-4398

casamchenrycounty.org