CASA of the Four Corners (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Cortez Wal-Mart are working together to provide food donations to families in need. On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, Wal-Mart employees and CASA volunteers load trucks with over $4,000 in food donated by Wal-Mart to distribute within the community.
CASA Volunteer Tami Higgins noted that there is a strong need for this service in the area for those who are struggling.
"Every month, Wal-Mart supports over 230 low-income individuals," she said. "I am so thankful and heartened by the generosity and community-mindedness of Wal-Mart. These families and individuals in need are so appreciative."
Luis Hernandez, project supervisor for Wal-Mart, wants families and individuals to know this service is available. Hernandez may be reached at the Cortez Wal-Mart at (970) 565-6138 to explain the requirements of hte program and describe how to qualify to begin receiving these donations..
Affiliated with the National and State CASA organizations, CASA is the regional affiliate working in Dolores and Montezuma counties to strengthen and stabilize families and provide voices for children experiencing the devastating effects of abuse and neglect.
CASA volunteers-designated friends of the court-provide additional "eyes and ears" to cases on which they serve. Volunteers participate as independent child advocates, formalizing their observations and recommendations in reports for the courts to assist in the complex and difficult decision-making processes directly affecting the child.
CASA's mission is to help break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, and to advocate for safe, permanent, nurturing home for children, utilizing highly trained and dedicated volunteers.
For information on CASA or how to become a CASA volunteer or otherwise support the organization, contact Director Hiedy Whitmer at (970) 564-0301. The CASA office is located at 10 W. Main St., Suite 106, in Cortez. For information about the National CASA Association, visit their website at www.casaforchildren.org.