Ross County CASA celebrates donation of 48 bags for children

CHILLICOTHE — On Thursday community members gathered to help move over 40 duffel bags that had been filled earlier with essentials for children in the foster care system. These items and funding came from Chillicothe’s Brookside Church.

The church, as part of its 50 days of action campaign, partnered with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) staff of Ross County for this project. While the church funded and packed the bags the CASA program will help give them to children.

"We are happy to help and happy to do whatever we can," said Pastor Ryan Bash.

The CASA Program is made up of volunteers locally and around the state who work to advocate for the child during their stay in foster care. Judge Jeffrey Benson said the CASA advocate helps voice what a child wants in each case. Currently, there are over 100 cases in Ross County with children waiting on a volunteer to speak on their behalf.

Over the years, Benson has seen many children go through the court system, he said the CASA volunteers help him make decisions that are in the best interests of the child. The bags, he said, are sure to mean a lot to the children who often have nothing of their own.

When moving homes children in the foster system with nowhere to put their things will often have to stuff what they can into a garbage bag to take to their next location. This can have a negative impact on a child and their self-esteem. The bags will help preserve a child's objects and their dignity.

The bags themselves will be useful storage for children but the groups also included items in them such as toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, blankets, stuffed animals and more. Not only will the hygiene items be helpful, but the other items in the bag will provide the child comfort as they will stay with them throughout their entire journey.

Britni Brown, Ross County CASA Director, said it is very humbling to be able to provide to these kids something she never had. As a child, Brown had to navigate the foster system with her younger brother, living in 27 homes over 12 years.

"I was one of these kids," said Brown.

Brown said she hopes this giving continues as CASA is always looking for volunteers or donations locally and statewide. If you are interested in helping you can visit the Ross County CASA website or the statewide CASA website for more information.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter@Shelby_Reeves_