Lamar math instructor Gary Brice, CASA training coordinator Sherri Anderson, and students
Sean Hanzel and Reece Smithhart. | Photo: Eleanor Skelton
This article was originally published in The Examiner on Dec. 21, 2017.
By Eleanor Skelton
Staff Writer
Lamar University instructor Gary Brice said he encouraged his college algebra class to
donate to a local holiday toy drive, not just for extra credit in his class, but also to encourage them to think beyond themselves.
“I explained the situation that CASA kids and volunteers are facing — a very strained Christmas or no Christmas at all — and that the volunteers are just that,” he said. “The class came through big time.”
Brice and two of his students unloaded several boxes of toys and a large stuffed bear at CASA’s downtown office off Calder Avenue on Dec. 11. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates and is a national association that supports and promotes court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children in order to provide children a safe and healthy environment in permanent homes.
Reece Smithhart, a Lamar University freshman majoring in communication, said he donated a couple of dolls and a baby present. He said he drew a tag for a baby girl and two younger girls.
“He’s a really nice guy and he was giving us a lot of extra credit opportunities,” Smithhart said.
CASA’s annual toy drive benefits foster kids throughout Jefferson County, staff explained, adding that sometimes companies call and ask to sponsor a family that may have taken in children in their extended family and may not have as much money for Christmas.
“The class has overwhelmed me with their gifts and generosity,” Brice said.
Brice’s class has been donating for a number of years, CASA staff said.
Eleanor Skelton 