The CASA Connection
Learn more about what’s going on at CASA Project Worcester County, in our Central MA communities, and with our partners by reading our NEW monthly blog! Have a topic you’d like us to write about or want to be considered for a featured spot? Email communications@thecasaproject.org!
Back to School, Backed by Community:
CASA’s 2025 Backpack Drive Impact
Every child deserves the tools to start the school year with confidence, and thanks to our incredible community, that dream became a reality this year. CASA Project Worcester County’s Annual Backpack Drive has wrapped up, and once again, the generosity of our volunteers, supporters, and partner organizations has been truly inspiring.
This year, we distributed over 250 personalized backpacks, each filled with school supplies carefully chosen to meet the unique needs of every student. These backpacks made their way not only to the youth our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers serve directly, but also through the Fitchburg, Dudley, Milford, and Worcester Juvenile Courts, helping youth across central MA start the school year feeling confident, prepared, and supported.
We are so grateful for the incredible contributions from our community including:
- $7,345.23 in Wishlist donations, providing essential school supplies for every backpack.
- $4,200 in monetary donations, including generous support from the Milford Royal and Select Masters, the Milford Commandery and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, Jim Walker, and Al Spittler; Karen and Barry Barkow; and James Cosgrove.
- In-kind supplies from 11 unwavering community partners, 4Others, Building Impact and Takeda Volunteers, Denman Brush, Fostering Change, Grove Street Family Properties, The Hanover Insurance Group, JETCOOL Technologies, Kristin Chase, Pajama Rama and SCA Health, Southborough Public Library, and Verizon and Jennifer Knutel.
This work would not be possible without the steadfast commitment of our CASA volunteers and team. Their dedication and hard work are the foundation of this success year after year, and we cannot thank them enough! From sorting supplies and packing backpacks to coordinating deliveries across multiple placements and courts, their efforts ensure that each backpack reaches a child who will benefit from it the most. To our community, you don’t just help fill backpacks, you help to provide hope, encouragement, and a sense of support and stability for the youth we serve!
Each backpack, notebook, and pencil represents the determination of a community that cares and sends a strong message to these children: We see you. You are supported, you are valued, and you are ready to succeed.
From all of us at CASA Project Worcester County, thank you for making this year’s Backpack Drive a resounding success. Because of your generosity, youth in foster care across Worcester County are stepping into the school year with the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to thrive. We are proud to have a community that comes together to make a difference – one backpack at a time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gloriann’s journey at CASA began in 2017 as a volunteer advocate. Since then, she has become a licensed social worker and received a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in child advocacy from Worcester State University. She also minored in sociology and addictions counseling. Gloriann is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in community justice at Fitchburg State University. Prior to joining the CASA team in 2022, Gloriann worked in the public school system for over 25 years in various roles.
As Outreach Coordinator, she attends many community events sharing information about CASA’s mission and the unique volunteering opportunity. There is no doubting Gloriann’s passion for advocacy and her dedication to youth in Worcester County. She also treasures spending time with her family and friends.
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Oct. 14-23, Tues., Wed., Thurs. – 5:30-8:00pm
