Linglestown lights holiday “Giving Tree” campaign launched for CASA

On Tuesday night, two groups—the Linglestown Area Civic Association and Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA)—joined together to light the Linglestown Square holiday tree.

In conjunction with the lighting, CASA launched its 2024 “Giving Tree” fundraising campaign. Monetary donations help the group recruit, train and support community volunteers as advocates to represent the best interests of foster children and sibling groups in court.

CASA hopes to raise $50,000 from the campaign, which runs through Dec. 31.

“Our CASAs serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the judges who decide the best placement for a foster child or sibling group,” said Will Foster, CASA executive director.

CASAs report to the court with recommendations of the best path forward, Foster said.

Nearly 400 children are in county foster care with just 40 CASA volunteers to work with them. The goal is to match one CASA with each foster child to speed them to a permanent, safe and loving home, Foster said.

In addition to CASA, the tree-lighting was attended by local residents, public officials, corporate sponsors and the student chorus from Linglestown Elementary School.

Mid Penn Bank is the premier sponsor of the “Giving Tree” campaign. Additional sponsors include American Legion Post 272, the Dauphin County commissioners, Dauphin County Bar Association, Josh Schiffman, Marzzacco & Associates, Foland Mediation Services, Judy Beskid, Conrad Siegel, Schmidt Kramer, Snyder Law Firm, Lamar Advertising and Nell McCormack Abom Communications.

To donate, login online to the “Virtual Giving Tree.” Donors select from a pre-set list of suggested donation amounts and then choose a light or bauble to “decorate” the virtual tree. Donors can upload a personal message and photo, as well. They also receive a commemorative ornament designed by a foster teen served by Dauphin County

“Tonight, CASA lights up the lives of foster children through our Giving Tree,” said Carol Steinour Young, Esq., CASA board president. “I ask you to donate generously to the Giving Tree so we can bring light and hope to their futures this holiday season.”

For more information and to donate to the CASA Giving Tree fundraising campaign, visit www.DauphinCountyCASA.org/tree. Read more at https://theburgnews.com/around-the-burg/linglestown-lights-holiday-tree-giving-tree-campaign-launched-for-casa