James Dodson, Jefferson Middle School art teacher, left; Sheila Marczak; Jessica Ammendolia; and Naomi Asher, CASA executive director. (Submitted photo)

The Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County, CASA, and private therapist Sheila Marczak have teamed together in an effort to address a special need: Each year, more than 400 children in Anderson County are removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. Many of these children do not have luggage (a carry-on or duffle bag), and they must carry their belongings in a garbage bag. This is humiliating to a child at a time when they are already so vulnerable.

The goal of Karry on 4 Kids is to provide each child in shelter and foster care with a brand new carry-on (duffle bag, etc.), so that they will never have to move from one location to another with their personal items in trash bags. These bags will be collected and stored at the Child Advocacy Center in Clinton to be distributed as necessary.

Recently, art contributions were requested from students at Jefferson Middle School for a logo. The winning student was eighth-grader Jessica Ammendolia.

An effort has been made with Oak Ridge and Anderson County schools to create an initial supply of bags. However, bags will be collected as an ongoing effort. Through the summertime, bags can be brought to Girls Inc., one of the CASA offices, or the CAC office.

Please email questions and concerns to [email protected].