Deaton Creek toy drive

CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN - Residents from The Village at Deaton Creek played Santa's helpers, again this year, by providing Christmas toys for needy families.

The community presented CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) with a truckload of presents for needy families in Dawson and Hall counties. The Hall County Sheriff's Office pitched in by providing the "sleigh" to transport them to "The Little House" in Gainesville. "The Little House" offers onsite medical exams, forensic interviewing services, as well as support from trained volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children requiring court intervention.

The program was started in 2006 by Walter Scott. This year, his wife Cindy Scott took up the reigns in his absence. Residents of the active adult community were originally inspired to start the program after hearing about a Christmas Eve fire several years ago that displaced a Hall County family.

Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch, along with many of the men and women who work for the sheriff's office, work together with CASA and area churches to help identify needy families during the holidays.

Sheriff Couch said "We are very humbled by the tireless efforts of our citizens in Deaton Creek. It is truly an honor to assist them in giving other families in our community a Merry Christmas, while carrying on the legacy bestowed on us by Walter Scott. Additionally, it is important that we recognize our invaluable partnership with the Court Appointed Special Advocates in benefitting our needy children in Hall County. These are tough economic times, and spreading holiday cheer is a team effort! We are delighted to play a role in the annual toy drive with Deaton Creek."

For more information on the services provided through the Hall-Dawson CASA agency, please visit them online at http://www.halldawsoncasa.org/.