The Holiday Historic House Walk will take place December 11, in Charleston. The event however is more than a history lesson, it will also help some children in need in the community.

The Holiday Historic House Walk is sponsored by the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which was formed in 1977 and came to Coles County in 1994.

“This is our first one, our very first year, we hope to make this an annual thing,” said Mamie Richey, Executive Director for CASA.

The Holiday Historic House Walk will serve as a fundraiser this year.

“This is a fundraiser for CASA, for abuse and neglected children, it’s very important,” Richey said. “We are the voice in the court for the children.”

The event will raise funds that will go to the CASA organization.

“The funds go towards some of the staples in the business,” Richey said. “It pays the executive director, who conducts the advocates, who are dedicated volunteers.”

Richey hopes that this event will raise awareness for the children in need.

“CASA is a very important organization for children, it gives them a voice, ” said Karen Lee Spencer, a professional artist who works with Hardshell Gourds.

Mrs. Spencer owns a house with her husband Chuck on 834 10th Street. Their house is one of the historical houses.

Spencer is participating in the house walk in order to raise awareness for the CASA.

The Spencer home was built by a returning Civil War veteran in 1867. The house is built in brick and has a “cottage/parlor style” look to it, said Spencer.

“The house at one time was a working farm,” Spencer said.

The event starts at the Dudley House on Seventh Street owned by Hannah Drake, a harpist who will perform and will continue down other historical houses including the home of Dan and Sally Cougill on 935 Sixth Street, the Briggs House on 210 Jackson Avenue owned by Dave and Linda Riddle, the Robert Samuel Hodgen’s home on 106 Harrision Street owned by Dr. Brett and Susan Bartlett and Chuck and Karen Lee Spencer’s home.