Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Donations of toys and gifts are being collected to help make the holidays a bit brighter for children and teens at the LACASA Center.

This marks the 5th year of LACASA’s Starry Night Toy Drive. The independent, locally-based non-profit provides shelter, counseling and critical services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. All services are provided at no charge.

For the Starry Night Toy Drive, the community is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift, toy or gift card to the LACASA Collection resale boutique in Howell. Donors can place gifts under the store’s giving tree and write their name, or initials, on a star ornament to be hung on the tree. In return, donors will receive an in-store discount coupon.

LACASA’s Director of Communications Jessica Bergum says all donated toys and gifts go directly to the children receiving services at the LACASA Center, including those living in the LACASA Crisis Shelter and those who participate in the agency’s Children’s Counseling Program.

Toys and gifts are needed for boys and girls of all ages. This year’s biggest need is for VISA or discount-store gift cards for tweens and teens.

The Starry Night donation drive runs through December 17th. Details can be found in the attached release and provided link.