Hope for the Holidays (web)

A sibling group that has faced significant trauma and heartache could use a good old-fashioned holiday season with a few toys and some added warmth. The four kids — three brothers and a sister — were removed from an abusive and unsafe situation.

The adults in the home were under the influence of drugs and unsafe to be around children. When the siblings were removed from their mother’s custody last year, the youngest child was found locked inside a dog crate, surrounded by drug paraphernalia, barely responsive.

Law enforcement was at the home serving a warrant, said Cristina Petrone, program manager for CASA of Jackson County, and discovered the conditions the children were living in and had to revive the youngest child.

With both fathers of the sibling group incarcerated, a maternal aunt and her partner didn’t hesitate to step up and provide a stable and loving home. The newly minted parents quickly embraced their new roles.

The couple, both in their early 20s and currently attending school to advance their careers, has gone “above and beyond” to ensure the children remain with family while having love and stability while they recover from their trauma, Petrone said.

“This couple took four kiddos in without hesitation. They all of a sudden just had four kids under their roof,” she said. “I think the new mom is the only one from her family who didn’t fall into addiction. And then this guy has just taken on a father roll, loving these kids like his own.

“I remember when the case first came in. They didn’t even have dressers to put the clothes in. They started without anything, and these kids had already been dealt the toughest hand,” Petrone said.

To brighten the family’s holiday, the mom and dad offered a suggested list of items to caseworkers at CASA.

For the 2-year-old boy, warm clothing in size 4T and size 8 shoes would be useful. The boy would enjoy giant stuffed animals and train-, duck- and dinosaur-themed toys, in addition to wooden matching games, coloring books and a container where he can store his beloved Hot Wheels car collection.

The only sister, age 4, loves coloring books and sticker books — monster- or princess-themed — a “robot dog,” girl-colored race cars, a piggy bank and a toy kitchen with pretend food. For clothing, she wears a size 5T in clothes and size 9 for shoes. She’d also love ballerina costumes, new dresses and warm winter outwear.

For the two older boys, clothing and fun stuff to do are on the list. The 6-year-old wears a size 7 clothing and size 13 shoe and would specifically love blue Nikes or black “Jordan shoes.” For fun stuff, LEGO sets and a skateboard or bike are on his wish list, as well as a drone and “Spider-Man” watch.

The oldest boy, age 8, also wants a skateboard to ride with his brother. His wish list included a stuffed baby Yoda doll, a Nintendo Switch, Roblox-themed blanket, Pikachu toys and a water bottle with a lid.

The family would also appreciate gift cards for extra groceries and to be able to do activities together, preferably from Trader Joe’s and the Family Fun Center in Central Point.

“Anything at all for this family and these kiddos would just be a blessing,” Petrone added. “We just want to surround them with support.”

To help this family, send an email to casa@jacksoncountycasa.org or call 541-734-2272.

Hope for the Holidays is a series sponsored by the Rogue Valley Times that focuses on community members or families in need and highlights the work of social service agencies in Southern Oregon. Once a need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need.

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