Santa FLETC Helps CASA Children for the Holidays

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and partner organizations (POs) are helping to bring the holiday season to local area children who are part of the Court Appointed Advocates (CASA) program.

FLETC employee Linda Fennell, who has organized the program for 12 years, coordinated the annual event that matches the children’s wish lists with the volunteers. Employees purchased and wrapped hundreds of gifts worth approximately $25,000 for the 128 children enrolled in the program. These gifts were presented to the CASA volunteers during a ceremony hosted by FLETC Director Connie Patrick held December 13 at the FLETC auditorium.

Several individuals gave remarks during the ceremony, including CASA-Glynn’s newly appointed Executive Director Cary Greenfield, Director Patrick, CASA Advocate Coordinator Jayne Monroe and local CASA Advocate Ruth Heyward.

According to Greenfield, FLETC and the onsite partner organizations are the only agencies in the area that are participating in this amazing program. She went on to describe a real-life scenario of an abused seven-year-old girl who had gone through the system through the child’s eyes detailing from the school’s intervention to her placement with foster parents and being provided a CASA advocate. “Without the help from all of you, we just couldn’t have met the children’s needs during the holiday season.”

“I am always amazed at the generosity of our people here,” said Director Patrick. “Since we began this program in 1999, our team members have sponsored more than 700 CASA children.”

Heyward, who has been a CASA advocate for several years, told a story of bringing gifts to a young girl on Christmas morning. The child asked who gave her the many presents. “Santa FLETC got these for you,” explained Heyward. “The little girl said, “I didn’t know that Santa had a name.” Well this Santa does.”

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