Gathering with friends and family during the holidays is a tradition most of us take for granted. But for so many of the children served by CASA, the holidays provide a painful reminder that they are different from their peers - separated from parents, siblings, pets and close friends as they reside in foster care and other safe placements to shield them from further abuse and/or neglect. Tears are shed for past traumas, a lost sense of security and stability, the pain of separation, and the uncertainty of the future.

It's not a question of where they will go for Christmas, New Year or Hanukkah, it's a question of where they will live during their remaining days of childhood and who will be there to comfort them through the traumas and celebrate with them the joys of everyday life.

As these children and youth wait for safe, permanent homes via adoption or a return to parents who are struggling to remain sober, employed, and drug-free, the holidays can be a lonely time.

Fortunately, this is often a time when many caring members of our community step forward to offer their help. It is this outpouring of concern and generosity that makes me particularly thankful during this holiday season. Just when our staff and volunteers are overwhelmed by the tragic reality of new abuse and neglect cases in Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays Counties, and the increased needs for clothing assistance and other support for our CASA children and youth, the phone rings or my email inbox reveals a caring individual or group ready to extend a helping hand.  This meaningful support is what makes our community special.  Your financial donations to CASA, your in-kind contributions, your volunteer hours, and your creative and meaningful offers to share your time and resources truly make a difference.  

With your help, we are making a difference one child at a time. As you gather with your loved ones this holiday season, please remember that your generosity is truly appreciated, and your diverse gifts are providing hope for the children in need of care served by our dedicated CASA volunteers. Your contributions of time and money exemplify the heart of giving, and we are thankful.