What do school supplies and self-esteem have in common? For the children CASA serves, a lot.
This month, CASA's Back-to-School drive provided the children CASA serves with new, quality school supplies ranging from backpacks and pencil sharpeners to snack bags and shoes. Active volunteers could bring the youth to whom they are appointed to the event or pick out supplies for them.
"The Back-to-School drive felt like more of a community effort this year, with much more collaboration and togetherness," said CASA Program Manager Georgiana.
CASA has offered a Back-to-School drive to children for over five years. This year, the FT Cares Foundation supported the event. Items such as Crocs, refreshments, and meal coupons donated by In-N-Out Burger were notable additions. Supply donors Green Scene Home and Emler Swim School also helped make the event successful.
"The Back-to-School drive felt like more of a community effort this year, with much more collaboration and togetherness," said CASA Program Manager Georgiana. One volunteer who picked up supplies for the child he's working with commented on the range of items available and how impressed he was at the all-encompassing group effort of the drive.
"Kids get treated differently when they don't have school supplies," said Child Advocacy Specialist Pamela. "It's not just about their relationships with the other students but with the teachers. They don't want to start off the year with a bad impression."
School supplies represent much more than material things for the children CASA serves. They offer a sense of control during a time when a child's placement, case worker, and even school may change many times throughout the case. Receiving new items boosts self-esteem and creates a sense of belonging.
"Kids get treated differently when they don't have school supplies," said Child Advocacy Specialist Pamela. "It's not just about their relationships with the other students but with the teachers. They don't want to start off the year with a bad impression."
Children of all ages came to pick out items. One volunteer brought the six siblings to whom they are appointed, and each child left with every item on their school supply list checked off. One teen got to choose their own backpack for the first time in their life.
"The children felt special. They felt a sense of community and safety because CASA represents a safe place for them," said Georgiana. "They know when they are with CASA, they can be themselves. We want youth to be successful in school and we want to support their passions and dreams. The event was all about generosity and inclusion."
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