GP giving for children in need

Georgia-Pacific employees show off some of the toys collected for area children in need. Helping with the project (L-R) are Carrie Speed, CASA Casework Supervisor; Georgia-Pacific employees Logan Gilbert, Lester Knight and Willa Roberts. Courtesy photo

Georgia-Pacific and CASA of the Pines are hoping to make Christmas brighter for area children in need. This week, employees at Georgia-Pacific’s Corrigan Plywood facility wrapped up a month-long toy drive for CASA of the Pines, a non-profit children’s advocacy group that gives abused and neglected children in foster care a voice within the legal system.

“These donations will bring joy to children this Christmas, making the season brighter for them and those who love them,” said Carrie Speed, Caseworker Supervisor for CASA of the Pines. “The generosity of Georgia-Pacific and its employees makes a real difference and brings the spirit of Christmas to our community. CASA is so grateful to partner with Georgia-Pacific in this program.”

Working through CASA, this is Georgia-Pacific’s sixth year to participate in the Christmas toy drive, which benefits children within the Child Protective Care (CPS) system. From basketballs and footballs, to dolls and stuffed animals, GP employees collected about 100 toys for children this holiday season.

Willa Roberts, who is a general services coordinator at Georgia-Pacific Corrigan Plywood, has coordinated the toy drive since its inception. She said the toy drive is one of several projects that GP employees support each year.  

“Our employees have always been quick to support this holiday initiative, so each child has a gift to open Christmas morning,” said Roberts. “Thanks to their kindness and generosity, Christmas is going to be truly special for many children.”

From now until Christmas, CASA will distribute the toys to children who are in the custody of CPS in Polk, Angelina, and Houston counties.