Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Dauphin County organization advocating for foster youth launches holiday fundraising campaign

Local officials joined Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates members to launch their “Giving Tree” campaign.

It’s “Giving Tuesday” today, a day that encourages generosity and supporting a good cause.

Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (DC CASA) is hoping that, during this season, the community will consider supporting their mission of assisting local foster youth.

“Let us launch this season of giving by lighting up the lives of local foster children,” said Lori Serratelli, DC CASA board president.

CASA utilizes trained volunteer advocates to help local judges make placement decisions for foster children that are in the child’s best interest.

On Nov. 29, the organization launched its month-long “Giving Tree” fundraising initiative with a tree lighting ceremony outside of the Linglestown American Legion Post 272.

Through Dec. 31, DC CASA is asking residents and businesses to make monetary contributions to the organization to support its advocacy work. Donors can add an ornament to CASA’s virtual Christmas tree on their website.

According to CASA, there are around 300 children currently in foster care in Dauphin County. It costs the CASA program about $1,500 a year to recruit, train and supervise each volunteer who works directly with a foster child or sibling group.

Children with a dedicated advocate do better in school, are more likely to graduate from high school or earn a GED and are more likely to be placed in a permanent home, the organization said.

“When we started our inaugural Giving Tree Campaign last December, we had six volunteers working with four families operating out of a one-room, basement office,” said Corey L. Korinda, executive director of DC CASA. “In just one year, we have grown to 14 volunteers working with nine families! Thanks to donations from local businesses and individuals alike, we have essentially doubled our impact in 2021 – moving even more foster children closer to a safe, permanent home.”

Sponsors for the “Giving Tree” campaign include Mid Penn Bank and Enders Insurance.

“Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a community responsibility,” said Heather Hall, market president at Mid Penn Bank.

To donate to Dauphin County CASA’s “Giving Tree” campaign, visit their website. Businesses interested in sponsorships can contact Lori Serratelli at 717-540-9170 or at dauphincountycasa@gmail.com.

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