TIF Partner with CASA for Children

Playthings Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 11/21/2012 12:25:39 PM

NEW YORK - The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) has named CASA for Children (CASA) as its new national partner in 2013.

The partnership will involve unique toy distribution events for "back to school" season, the holidays, and the celebration of special occasions such as birthdays. CASA volunteers provide one-on-one advocacy for children in the foster care and family court systems in communities across the country. Appointed by a judge, CASA volunteers fight for and protect a child's right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family. Thanks to a $200,000 grant and ongoing toy donations from TIF, CASA will expand its network of volunteer advocates serving more than 234,000 foster children in 2013. The partnership also aims to provide kids with stability and emotional support by helping CASA volunteers bond with children through toys.

"The foster care and family court systems are very complicated, which is why these children need special support. For many, their CASA volunteer is the only stable adult in their lives," saidJean Butler, executive director, TIF, in a statement. "By training more volunteers and helping them build trust with the children through play, TIF and CASA can work together to spark real change, one child at a time."