According to the Mt. Vernon Register-News, Catholic Social Services in the Mt. Vernon, Ill., region has been making wishes come true for kids in the area who have suffered from trauma.
After receiving a $10,000 donation from Continental Tire the Americas, CSS was able to create the Little Stars program. The program, for children in the agency’s foster care and counseling services, makes “wishes” come true.
Seventeen children have become Continental Little Stars since June. Continental Tire and CSS have granted wishes for everything from a trampoline, a Nintendo DS, toys, a guitar, several bicycles and seven camps for dance, volleyball, church and basketball.
“Most of our children have requested outdoor equipment and activities for the summer,” stated Cassidy Beck, CSS development coordinator. “They want the chance to play outside and be on teams just like every other child.”
“Many of these children have never gotten to go to camp, or to have their own bike to ride around on with their friends. The Continental Little Stars program is providing these kids with a sense of normalcy and helping them create positive memories,” stated Pam Flota, Regional Director.
Every child in one of the programs offered by CSS Mt. Vernon region is able to become a Continental Little Star. According to the newspaper, a committee of community members, CSS employees and Continental Tire employees reviews the requests each month and selects wishes to come true to some of the kids.
“We are excited to be a part of this experience for the children,” said Benny Harmse, manager of Continental’s Mt. Vernon tire plant. “We try to focus on our corporate social responsibility and there is nothing better than helping the children and being a part of the wishes that have come true for them.”
The Little Stars program will run through May 2014.
