Area groups spreading holiday spirit
by Anthony Childress Sun Staff Writer
JONESBORO SUN 12/6/2006 -- One by one the neatly
wrapped gifts were stacked on a table, outsized only by the broad
smile on Rohni Guthrie's face.
A recruitment and training coordinator for the
2nd Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA,
Guthrie helped Tuesday unload dozens of Christmas presents brought
to the organization's office in the Courthouse Annex, 511 Union.
The gifts for an "angel tree" came from
students in Arkansas State University's Honors College -- as a kind
gesture during the holiday season.
"This is our first year to work with CASA,
and we are very happy about that fact. Each year we pick a project
during Christmas and we felt CASA was certainly deserving this time
around," said Jeremy Hunter, public relations coordinator for
the college.
CASA, formed in 1977, utilizes a network of volunteers
appointed by judges to propose the best possible outcome for an
abused or neglected child as they look to the future.
"Whether this means helping to make a connection
with adoptive parents or safely reuniting the child with parents
or relatives, the ultimate goal of CASA volunteers is to help ensure
that every one of these kids can live in a safe, permanent home,"
the organization's brochure states.
In order to volunteer a person must be 21 years
of age, pass Arkansas State Police and Child Abuse Registry background
checks, attend at least 30 hours of training, attend the Bill Denney
Seminar on Child Abuse Awareness and commit to the length of a case.
The Honors College promoted its efforts by advertising
in The Herald of ASU, the university's student newspaper, and set
up the tree in the circulation section of the school's library.
When all was said and done the students had 60
presents ready to be dropped off at CASA. Guthrie said the group's
volunteers will receive the packages during a luncheon and pass
them out to children in the coming days.
The Jonesboro office serves more than 150 children
per year, Guthrie said, and needs at least 100 volunteers at all
times to serve the caseload of kids in the foster care system.
Hunter said the college had previously undertaken
projects during the holidays in Jonesboro as well as Poinsett and
Mississippi counties, giving participants a better sense of what
Christmas is partially about.
"It means so much to give of yourself to others.
You get so much back," he added.
Guthrie pointed out that the college approached
CASA and told the staff of its intentions to do something to help
make the holiday more joyful for youngsters who have been part of
the organization's mission.
"We have so many gifts here already and more
on the way. It is such a wonderful thing. We appreciate it so very
much and the kids are going to be thrilled," Guthrie said.
anthony@jonesborosun.com |
