CASA, Starbucks launch gift drive for foster children

CASA Lake County has again launched its annual "Giving Tree" program that provides new clothing and holiday gifts to Lake County foster children. Twenty-four local Starbucks stores are participating this year, and customers are urged to stop by through December to participate.

CASA Lake County provides each Starbucks with a small holiday evergreen decorated with colorful tags. Each tag is marked with a specific gift item needed or requested by a child. The items range from warm winter coats and clothing to baby blankets, toys, books gift cards, and more.

Customers pick up a tag, shop any place they choose and return the purchased item to a collection site at Starbucks. CASA Lake County volunteers then pick up the items and deliver them to the foster children.

Starbucks participating in the program include stores in Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Bluff, Vernon Hills, Grayslake, Mundelein, Libertyville, Waukegan, Gurnee, Antioch, Round Lake, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Volo and Hainesville.

This is the 10th year that Starbucks has partnered with CASA Lake County on the "Giving Tree" program.

"Thanks to the generosity of Starbucks and their customers, this program has grown dramatically in recent years," said Terri Zenner Greenberg, CASA Lake County executive director.

"So many foster families depend on this program to provide holiday gifts for children in their care. We are incredibly grateful to Starbucks and their customers for enabling us to continue this tradition."

CASA Lake County is a local nonprofit organization that advocates for children who have been abused or neglected and are party to cases active in the Lake County juvenile court system. The majority of the children are in foster care.

CASA is supported by nearly 300 volunteers who are trained by the organization and certified by the court to advocate on behalf of the children.

CASA Lake County needs additional volunteers to serve an increasing population of foster children requiring support and court advocacy.

"We are seeking volunteers of all backgrounds," Zenner Greenberg said. "But, in particular, we encourage volunteers who speak Spanish, as well as male volunteers, to join us and help us best serve our diverse community.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Lori Petersen at lpetersen@casalakecounty.com, or request to volunteer at www.casalakecounty.com. Donations are accepted on the website as well.