Want to help local children?

Members of Kappa Alpha Theta are trying to do just that with their third annual “Rock the CASA” event tonight.

Rock the CASA is a benefit which raises money for the Athens-Oconee Court Appointed Special Advocates program. The program provides volunteers to help children who are in the court system because of abuse or neglect at home.

“It’s something that not many people know about,” said Leigh Claffey, a junior from Augusta and the sorority’s vice president of public relations.

Volunteers in the program ensure the abuse does not continue once the children are in the court system. The program is also meant to give the child a voice in the court room.

Advocates act as fact-finders for the child’s case and help ensure the judge is well-informed of the child’s family background.

“Everyone loves helping out,” said Claffey about the organization’s philanthropy.

The sorority hopes to raise $11,000 to complete their ultimate goal of raising $20,000 for CASA in 2009. CASA has been Kappa Alpha Theta’s national philanthropy since 1989.

“We want to continue to raise more money [for CASA] each year,” Claffey said, adding CASA depends on funds from Kappa Alpha Theta.

But their service doesn’t end at donations. Many of members decide to become an advocate after they turn 21, which is the minimum age to become an advocate.

“I probably would,” said Amanda Nolan, a junior food science major from Decatur, about becoming a volunteer once she meets the age requirement. “I would be more inclined to do it since I know about it through my sorority.”

“An advocate is the one stable friend for kids while in custody issues,” Claffey said.

Kappa Alpha Theta also has an annual barbecue fundraiser in the spring to benefit CASA.

The sorority hopes more diverse students will support the event.

“We want to get non-Greeks more involved,” Claffey said.