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As we fly into the holiday season, the Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation seeks the community’s help in kicking off their annual Christmas Drive, which is set to benefit local foster youth. Donation boxes are now at businesses across the Tri-City area and will be available for gift collection through the 16th of December.
“As a board member and Chair for the Christmas Drive, I am so grateful to the community for their donations to this extremely worthwhile cause,” says Missy Sikora.
For just over 20 years, the Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation has been working to serve the unmet needs of the youth in Yavapai County foster care system and support the work of the CASAs that speak for these children. Each day, on average, at least 25 children are removed from their home and families and placed into care. In Yavapai County alone, there are nearly 400 children in the foster care system.
For some children, this is their first holiday away from home, away from their families. For many of these children this may not be the most joyful holiday season. Which is why, for the last 16 years, Yavapai CASA for Kids has helped to make the season just a little brighter. Every year, just before the Thanksgiving holiday, donation boxes are placed in local businesses and organizations throughout the Tri-City area. With children of all ages (0 to 18) in foster care, Yavapai CASA for Kids asks the community to think of these children when shopping and consider placing an unwrapped gift in one of the boxes. From the obvious items like toys and clothes to the not so obvious like self-care products and art kits, the possibilities are endless. “We are especially asking that the community think of the young adults who will soon age out of the system,” says Chairwoman Missy Sikora. “These young adults do not have the natural support systems that many of us take for granted, and if not for the community’s generosity, may go without any gifts at all.”
So, why wait? This holiday season, be a hero to local foster youth.
Collection boxes, out November 17th, are located throughout the Tri-Cities. Sites include the Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation offices in Prescott Valley, Findlay Toyota Prescott, Findlay Used Cars Prescott Valley, the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, and many more.
For more information, how to get involved, and for a full list of gift collection sites, check out Yavapai CASA for Kids website or call (928) 445-0800.