Lone Star CASA has served 256 children in Rockwall and Kaufman Counties in 2026, more than 40 above the same period last year, according to a Sept. 9 statement from the organization.

Caseloads are climbing.

The nonprofit, which pairs trained volunteer advocates with children who have experienced abuse or neglect, is asking residents to donate or volunteer ahead of North Texas Giving Day on Thursday, Sept. 17. Executive Director Jacob Griffin said the annual fundraising push is critical as demand grows.

"Every donation helps us recruit and train more volunteers and ensure more children have someone standing beside them, listening to them, and advocating for what they need," Griffin said.

As of late July, 85 of those 256 children had achieved permanent homes through reunification, adoption, guardianship or placement with relatives, according to a Royse City Herald-Banner report.

Board President Kim Campbell said in July, when the organization received a $110,435 donation from the Dallas Builders Association Metro East Division, that the funds would provide advocacy for 30 children for a full year.

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to provide independent advocacy for children moving through the child welfare system. Prospective advocates receive specialized training before they are matched with a child.

North Texas Giving Day, in its 18th year, is organized by Communities Foundation of Texas and includes more than 3,000 nonprofits across 20 North Texas counties. In 2025, more than 100,000 donors gave $78 million through the platform, according to the Waxahachie Sun. Since its 2009 launch, the event has raised more than $712 million for the region.

Communities Foundation of Texas covers all transaction fees, so 100 percent of each donation goes directly to the nonprofit.

Residents can donate to Lone Star CASA through the North Texas Giving Day website. The organization is also encouraging supporters to check for employer matching gifts and to share the campaign using #NTxGivingDay.

Lone Star CASA will join several Rockwall County nonprofits at the Rock the Block community event at The Harbor in Rockwall on Sept. 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to the Royse City Herald-Banner. More information about volunteering is available at lonestarcasa.org.