One of the most rewarding things that I do is volunteer for an organization called CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates.  I advocate for 4 children in one home, who live with their mother (and currently her boyfriend).  My job is to make sure that the kids have what they need – food, clothing, shelter, educationally, emotionally, physically, etc.  I visit them once or twice a month and we play games, read books, paint nails and just talk.  I am in constant touch with their teachers and guidance counselors, the mom, her parole office and the CYS worker in charge of their case.

Last week, I brought them a frozen turkey for Thanksgiving.  Yesterday, I received a frantic call from mom saying that they ran out of food stamps since it’s the end of the month, and they don’t have anything else for Thanksgiving dinner besides the “frickin’ turkey.”  I asked what else she’d like and she gave me a list – sweet potatoes with marshmallows, stuffing and cranberry sauce.  So I went to the market and purchased the rest of their meal.  I left it with the customer service cashier at Giant and they picked it up there.  Happy Thanksgiving!