St. Charles CPA firm assists with Luggage of Love program

Apex CPAs & Consultants in St. Charles raised more than $15,000 in its Luggage of Love initiative to benefit the Geneva-based nonprofit CASA Kane County.

James Chakires, Apex's managing partner and founder of Luggage of Love, recently gave the donations to Gloria Kelley, CASA Kane County's executive director.

"I want to thank my staff, friends and the public who have made this year's Luggage of Love a tremendous success," Chakires said. "From the bottom of my heart, I can't tell how much I appreciate everyone's support. Gloria and her team do such a phenomenal job and come to work every day with such a big heart wanting to serve the community."

This has been the third year Apex has been doing its fundraising initiative to support CASA Kane County, which advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system. The donations went to purchasing items to fill suitcases with personal belongings for children, teens and young adults within the foster care system.

Chakires explained that when moved between families, these children are often forced to carry their few keepsakes and belongings in plastic trash bags without any personal incidentals. Carrying their items in bags can be embarrassing and yet another reminder of how little they own.

Kelley was very grateful for the generous donations that came through this campaign. The nonprofit, she explained, is able to store the suitcases and then give them to children from ages birth to 21 who have been removed from their homes. Often, they are only handed a black garbage bag with their belongings.

"We're serving 600 children annually with over 200 plus new children," she said. "We implemented a strong initiative in 2011 that says every child who comes into abuse/neglect and probate courts, will receive a suitcase, duffle bag or baby bag.

"You're helping kids who don't have a shot without a CASA," he said. "Yes, there's a court system and they're doing the best that they can but with limited resources, so CASA is able to ensure their best interests are in the forefront," said CASA Board Member Tim Barry.