The Good Stuff - Dauphin County CASA Giving Tree

This morning, I had the opportunity to talk with Corey Korinda, Executive Director of Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (DC CASA) about the “Virtual Giving Tree,” to help kids in the foster care system right here in Dauphin County! I want to encourage you to make a donation today at www.DauphinCountyCASA.org

Now through December 31, 2021, CASA is asking residents and businesses to make monetary contributions at www.DauphinCountyCASA.org/tree. When donors give, they can dedicate the contribution with a message online and watch CASA add their digital ornament or light to sparkle on the virtual Giving Tree.

“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, Esq., executive director of DC CASA. “In just one year, we have grown to 14 volunteers working with nine families! Plus, we now occupy an office with street-level visibility on Linglestown Road. 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.”

“Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a community responsibility," noted Heather Hall, Market President, Mid Penn Bank. "Mid Penn Bank continues to be committed to this important and impactful program. Together, we are raising funds that help Dauphin County CASA provide volunteer training to advocate in court in the best interests of at-risk foster children.”

“Let us launch this Season of Giving by lighting up the lives of local foster children. Our trained volunteer advocates help local judges make placement decisions by understanding what is in the best interest of each child in the court system,” said Lori Serratelli, Esq., DC CASA board president, representing Giving Tree Red Sponsors Serratelli Dispute Resolutions LLC and the Harrisburg law firm Schiffman Sheridan & Brown, PC. “Join us through a donation to the CASA Giving Tree to transform a foster child’s life and illuminate their path to a brighter future.”

Bill Hornung, a DC CASA board member and owner of Hornung’s Hardware, graciously donated and helped erect and light a 12-foot Douglas fir tree on prominent display across from his Linglestown store. American Legion Post 272, under Commander Rod O’Connor, contributed use of the land upon which the community “Giving Tree” stands.

“The Robert H. Hoke American Legion Post 272 is honored and proud to work with and support Dauphin County CASA in accomplishing their mission of representing and protecting America’s disadvantaged youth,” Commander O’Connor added. “The American Legion stands with CASA and looks forward to establishing an ongoing relationship that will result in providing all with a positive future and opportunities to succeed in life.”

Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick lauded the “Giving Tree” as an example of the generous spirit of county residents and businesses whose compassion for vulnerable children shines in the holiday season and throughout the year.

“When we gather with our loved ones and appreciate the joys of the holidays, let’s not forget the kids who have been through some dark days,” Dauphin County Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said. “Every CASA provides a beacon of hope for those kids. A donation to the training and support of CASAs is an investment in a child’s happiness.”

Sally Keaveney, voice teacher at Keystone Musical Arts Center, and Central Dauphin High School student-vocalist Emmalee Shirley provided musical entertainment. Bravo Group donated audio assistance for the event.

Every dollar given “Lights Up” a local foster child’s life!

There are roughly 300 county children currently in foster care. It costs the CASA program about $1,500 a year to recruit, train and supervise each volunteer CASA who works directly with a foster child or sibling group. Nearly 100 percent of the funds donated this holiday season will flow directly to advocacy for the children. Children with a dedicated CASA 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.


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