Thanks offered to 'gift angels'
By DOROTHY STANLEY

The holiday season has come and gone, yet remaining are the happy thoughts about the people who thought about us during that time. Advocates for Children, Inc. has many happy thoughts about the innumerable individuals who either personally or as representatives of area organizations, churches and businesses, chose to become "gift angels" for the foster children that we serve. As a result, we were able to make certain that more than 190 children within the foster care system had a joyful Christmas because you cared.

Advocates for Children, Inc. provides the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program throughout seven counties including Orange, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Sabine, San Augustine and Tyler counties.

CASA is a non-profit organization that consists of adult volunteers who advocate for abused, neglected and abandoned children in our region.

Advocates for Children, Inc. has its main office in Orange and a satellite office in Jasper. CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge and empowered to stand up for abused children, to be a voice in court for these children and to look out for their best interests as they progress through the foster care system.

The ultimate goal is that they are placed in safe, loving, permanent homes where they can thrive.

Again, we send our sincere appreciation to our "gift angels" whose gift of giving brought smiles to the faces of almost 200 children.