8 NOVEMBER 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM CASA OF GRAVES COUNTY & SOUTHWEST KY HEARTFELT HOLIDAYS CASSIDY’S CAUSE MISSION The mission of CASA of Graves County & Southwest KY is to provide trained community volunteers for court appointment to advocate on behalf of dependent, abused, and neglected children in our communities. HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITIES The holidays can be a challenging time for children in foster or relative care. CASA strives to brighten a child’s Christmas while supporting placement families by delivering gifts. This year, they have beautiful stockings handmade by a local church group to fill. Donations of toys and games for children from birth to 17, as well as other gifts to fill the stockings, are being accepted. Christmas donation deadline is December 1st. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES CASA of Graves County & Southwest Kentucky operates through grants, donations, and fundraising event proceeds to fulfill its mission of providing court- appointed advocates for abused and neglected children. For many of these children, their CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is the one consistent presence in their lives—someone who cares, listens, and prioritizes the child’s best interests. CASAs advocate for the child in court and ensure their voice is heard. The program serves Graves, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties. MISSION The mission of Cassidy’s Cause is to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational, and recreational activities that involve interaction with a horse. HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITIES A “Dear Santa” campaign on social media features letters from the organization’s horses to Santa, requesting gifts such as a bay of hay, new horseshoes, or a visit from the chiropractor. Holiday-themed horse sponsorship certificates are also available, allowing donors to give in someone’s name as a Christmas gift to support the care of a specific horse. All donations go toward the ongoing care of the herd of 18 working horses. “Dear Santa” campaign deadline is December 24th. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Contributions help cover general operational expenses, enabling the continued provision of life-changing therapy for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. The joy of working with horses benefits everyone involved— participants, their families, volunteers, staff, and supporters alike. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The organization requires over 140 hours of volunteer support each week during class sessions, with some participants needing three volunteers each for a one-hour class. The volunteer application is available on their website. No prior experience with horses or individuals with disabilities is necessary, as a comprehensive volunteer orientation and training program is provided to prepare volunteers to care for the horses and assist participants. The next scheduled training session is Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM. mail CASA of Graves Co. & Southwest KY PO Box 5200, Mayfield, KY 42066 website casagravesswky.org drop off 1511 State Route 1241, Mayfield, KY mail 6075 Clinton Road, Paducah, KY 42001 website www.cassidyscause.org/donate contact 270-554-4040 [email protected] HOW TO Donate HOW TO Donate
