Lauren Drake, Data Analyst, with this year's donations. Photo courtesy of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southlake.
In its first year doing the angel program with Dallas CASA, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southlake adopted 25 angels for the holiday tree program.
"We started with 10, but the demand was so overwhelming that I had to ask for more!" said Lauren Drake, data analyst, who also volunteers with CASA. "I am so appreciative of the staff that took time to select such thoughtful gifts for these kids. As an advocate with Dallas CASA, it means so much to me that the kids are made to feel special and loved on a day that can be really difficult."
According to the official website, CASA volunteers and corporations can participate in many ways to be a part of making life better for abused children. Volunteers get to know a child and gather information from everyone involved in the child's life, including family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and social workers.
They use the information they gather to report to the court and to advocate for the child's needs in the foster care system. CASA volunteers commit to represent and advocate for a child's best interests until the child finds a safe, permanent home.
Organizations can donate money, participate in or sponsor fundraising events, and much more.
Drake said next year, the hospital participants want to adopt more Angels and build a tradition at the hospital.
"Everyone here is so giving and generous on a daily basis and we love extending it to the community at Christmas," she said.
Hospital staff and physicians also donated toys to the Marine’s Toys for Tots program and food to GRACE this year.
For more information, visit becomeacasa.org, which is the state CASA website where people can find out about the CASA program closest to home.
Lauren Drake, Data Analyst, at Dallas CASA headquarters with Ben Wilkins, Program Director of Dallas CASA and two supervisors. Photo courtesy of Lauren Drake.