CASA Lake County, Starbucks Aim to Help Kids

The next time you're at a local Starbucks, make sure to take a tag from the giving tree and help children in need.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Lake County is partnering once again with 12 local Starbucks stores to collect items for CASA's Closet, which provides clothing for foster children.

"It's such a good cause," said Lake Zurich resident Amy Foor-Noland, who is a CASA Lake County volunteer. "This goes directly to the kids right here in Lake County."

Marcos Lyles, manager of the Starbucks store next to Sonic on Rand Road, is leading the drive. His store put up a giving tree Monday and placed gift tags on it. All 12 stores in his region — including locations in Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills — are participating in the effort, said Foor-Noland.

"I think it's a great opportunity to give back," said Lyles.

Foor-Noland said people can stop by any of the 12 participating locations to take a tag from the giving trees. Items being requested include boots, winter coats, pajamas and snow pants. Last year the focus was on underwear and socks, Foor-Noland said. About 100 pairs of new socks were collected last year, she noted.

"This not only helps the foster families keep their expenses down; it offers a child something new — for possibly the first time in their lives," said Foor-Noland.

The giving trees will be up in all 12 locations by Dec. 15.