Imperial, California - Imperial Irrigation District employees provided numerous articles of winter clothing on Thursday, to abused or neglected children in foster care throughout Imperial County who are represented by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Imperial County.
The distribution is the culmination of the district’s internal “Share the Warmth” winter clothing drive organized by IID employees. Since mid-November, employees have been making financial contributions and filling collection boxes located throughout the district with more than 700 articles of clothing, including, new sweaters, blankets, beanies, gloves, jackets, thermals, socks and more to benefit the children.
“We are fortunate to have the IID step up to meet an unmet, basic need,” said CASA Board President Chuck Fisher, whose agency represents 400 foster care children. “The foster care journey can be traumatic. Clothing is something these children can take from place to place. It’s a perfect gift.”
CASA of Imperial County has been advocating for foster youth for over 23 years in all areas of the county, including the Quechan Tribal Reservation. More than 70 active CASA advocates serve as guardians, representing the best interests of abused and neglected children by providing them a voice and a hope for a future.
The IID employees who organized the district’s winter clothing drive encouraged their fellow workers to “work together to make this a more cheerful season for the communities we serve.” The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission received clothing donated by IID employees from the district’s La Quinta Division.
Said IID Board President Bruce Kuhn: “It’s heart-warming to see this most worthy cause be so successful, touching so many lives. We’re proud of IID’s commitment to serve the community and moved by the generosity extended to others, especially during this time of year.”
Imperial Irrigation District employees gather with several of the foster children represented by Court Appointed Special Advocates of Imperial County Thursday as hundreds of children’s clothing items were made available through employee voluntary contributions in the district’s “Share the Warmth” winter clothing drive.
