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POINSETT COUNTY, AR (KAIT) –
Smaller counties in Northeast Arkansas are in great need of volunteers for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

CASA of the 2nd Judicial District covers five counties including Craighead, Greene, Clay, Poinsett and Mississippi. The district served 239 foster children last year and needs help to manage the responsibility this year.

Tonya Hottel, recruiter and trainer for CASA of the 2nd Judicial District, said she started volunteering because she was a teacher and enjoyed helping children.

“A lot of children need a safe and permanent home and need someone to talk to,” Hottel said.

Hottel is recruiting volunteers for Poinsett County. Donna Lamb-Bowyer, Executive Director for CASA of the 2nd Judicial District, said of course they are always in need of volunteers, but smaller counties, like Poinsett, struggle to cover all of the cases.

CASA volunteers help children in the foster care system. They are considered the judges eyes and ears. Volunteers only have to give up 10 to 15 hours per month.

Lamb-Bowyer said Poinsett County only has a handful of volunteers. “We have many volunteers in Jonesboro and Craighead County just because of the population,” Lamb-Bowyer said. “Poinsett County is unique because it has several small towns, and the children come from all over Poinsett County.”

To volunteer visit neacasa.org.

CASA is also hosting a fundraiser April 18 called “Cowboy Up for CASA.” The money will go to help the non-profit assist more children in Northeast Arkansas. For tickets contact the CASA office at 870-935-1099.