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Volunteer fire fighters donate funds to CASA
By Connie Beard
Published December 16, 2009
Due to the generosity of the public and the efforts of members of the Lamar County Volunteer Fire Fighters Association members, CASA for Kids has a much needed boost added to the organization’s coffers.
The volunteer fire fighters collected more than $6,400 during their annual Fill the Boot campaign.
“That was all in change. I can’t imagine how heavy those boots got,” said Sharon Eubanks, executive director of CASA for Kids.
Volunteers representing the 19 volunteer fire departments spent Saturday, Dec. 5, covering all the entrances to the Walmart parking lot to raise the funds, which have been presented to CASA for Kids. In addition to the change collected from the public, many of the departments donated $100 toward the effort. The LCVFFA is made up of the volunteer fire departments in Biardstown, Blossom, Brookston, Chicota, Cunningham, Deport, Direct, East Post Oak, Faught, Hopewell, Lamar Point, Midway, Novice, Pattonville, Powderly, Reno, Roxton, Taylortown and Tigertown.
This is the third year CASA for Kids has received the proceeds from the LCVFFA Fill the Boot campaign.
“This money will go for toys and needed items for kids in their care,” said Eric Pearson, president of LCVFFA.
The children CASA for Kids care for range in age from infant to adult, with gender split fairly evenly, according to Eubanks.
“We are caring for 87 children for Christmas this year,” Eubanks said. “Those are children who are not in foster care. They may be with a grandparent or are being raised by other family members. We get new cases all the time.”
A big chunk of the money was spent the afternoon it was received, mostly to fill out areas that are low in donations — gifts for infants and older teens.
“People here are incredibly generous. You just don’t know how lucky you are to live in Lamar County,” Eubanks said.
CASA volunteers plan to hand everything out on Friday. Until then, they are accepting donations at their new office at 2025 N.W. Loop 286.
“We’re in the old Girl Scout building. It’s been completely remodeled and we’re very proud of our new facility,” Eubanks said.
The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The money donated by the volunteer fire fighters will assist the needs of CASA’s children throughout the year, providing clothes and necessities as they are required.
“We asked for permission to save some of this money for birthday cakes and gifts,” Eubanks said.
“This money isn’t just for Christmas. They can use it throughout the year for children like clothes, toothbrushes and birthday toys,” Pearson said.
CASA for Kids works directly with the judge. When children are removed from their homes, CASA volunteers work with them until they are placed either in a foster home, back at home or through adoption.
“We’re the eyes and ears of the judge,” Eubanks said.
There are currently 40 volunteers at CASA for Kids. With 80 children under their care, more volunteers are needed.
“We offer training opportunities for our volunteers three times a week,” Eubanks said.
Volunteer training is held 10 a.m. Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursdays.
For additional information on donating to Casa for Kids or questions about volunteering, call 903-737-4346.
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