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!

Every Wish Fulfilled:
Reflecting on CASA’s 2025 Holiday Drive

For many children and families, the holiday season is a time of joy, hope, time with loved ones, and giving; however, for the youth CASA serves, this time of year is filled with instability and uncertainty, and there is a noticeable gap where gifts and hope were once centered. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our community, CASA Project Worcester County’s Annual Holiday Drive ensures that every child experiences the magic of the season and knows they are seen, celebrated, and supported.

Our Holiday Drive is unique as it is driven by the children themselves, providing a sense of autonomy, dignity, and choice during the holidays. Our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers collect a list of each child’s personal holiday wishes – gifts that reflect their personalities, interests, and the holiday traditions they celebrate – which are used to curate our Holiday Drive Wishlist. Our team, volunteer advocates, and community supporters ensure that every request is honored, making each gift personal and meaningful.

This year, the Drive exceeded all expectations. Gifts poured in from caring neighbors, local businesses, and organizations across Worcester County, helping us fulfill personalized gift orders for over 125 youth with even more donations supporting last-minute requests and urgent, unexpected needs. Together, our community demonstrated what is possible when immense kindness meets shared purpose.

We are deeply grateful to our in-kind donors, who helped bring countless wishes to life: Bri’s Sweet Treats, Clark University, DuraSack, Foster Love, GFWC Auburn Junior Women’s Club, Grove Street Family Properties, Knights of Columbus, Marine Corps League Worcester, SCA Health, Sweeney Drywall, UniBank, UMass Brightwood, and Worcester Wheels & Coffee.

And to our monetary donors, your support amplified every gift and enhanced the Drive’s holiday magic. We are filled with gratitude for your steadfast commitment: Arthur Allen; Paul Bremer; Serge DeBari; Cynthia Cohen; Patrick and Mary Fox; Dream Big Wealth Strategies, Julianne Hertel; Jane Guthro; Kimberly Kennedy; Deborah McDonnell; Mary Ann Manion; Brian Nelson; KC Onuigbo; Milford Commandery; Medfield Acacia Club; Susan Nobrega; Craig Prouty; Kathleen Quinton; Mark Shelton; Peter and Marion Tomasello; Paula Woelfel; Michael Witt; Raymond White; and Madison Park Development Corporation, in remembrance of Kathryn Reagon.

This year, more than $10,000 in Wishlist purchases and over $8,000 in monetary donations helped fulfill the wishes of vulnerable youth in our community. Beyond these numbers, an outpouring of additional gifts ensured that every child’s holiday was magical.

We must also recognize our volunteer advocates, who are the heart of CASA’s mission and a vital, transformative partner for the Holiday Drive. Their dedication – from gathering wish lists and submitting case requests to supporting the youth on their cases year-round – is what makes this Drive truly extraordinary. Behind the scenes, our CASA team worked tirelessly to coordinate donations, manage logistics, and ensure every gift reached the right child before their holiday celebration. Thank you to our 2025 Holiday Drive Committee: Lynn Barrieau, Jordyn Becker, Julie Bowditch, Melissa Cote, Theodette Gasasira, Andrea Sullivan, Gloriann Switzer, and Kris Wilhelmy.

The impact of this year’s Holiday Drive is a testament to the power of community. Through your kindness, care, and commitment, children in the foster care and juvenile court systems experienced joy, hope, and the warmth of a season filled with love. As we close out the year, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every donor, volunteer, and supporter who has had a positive impact on CASA Project Worcester County. Stay connected with us in the coming year – together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of children who need it most.