MAJ Report – MAJ Members Give Back This Holiday Season

Gifts from the 2010 Angel Tree Project.

As we celebrate the holiday season, it is so important that each of us think beyond our own situation, and consider those less fortunate. It has been the practice of the Maryland Association for Justice, Inc. (MAJ) and its philanthropic arm, the Maryland Association for Justice Foundation, to take this thought to heart and adopt holiday projects each year. In past years, it has been a toy drive for the children of Maryland’s CASA chapter and a partnership with YWCA of Anne Arundel County, adopting families from their Angel Tree.

This year has been no different. Both our Women’s Caucus and New Lawyers Section have each adopted projects aimed at helping those in need.

As part of their pre-holiday celebration, the Women’s Caucus hosted a drive for Suited to Succeed, a non-profit aimed at providing the professional attire needed to sustain or retain continued employment.

The New Lawyers Section teamed up with the Salvation Army for two special projects, their “Stuff-a-Stocking” and Angel Tree programs, for the second year running.

Thanks to the very generous support of members and friends, this project was able to support efforts in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, fulfilling 60 angel tree family requests and 70 stockings.

And what they ask for is not much. Each Angel has the first name of a needy child, his/her clothing size and a special toy that will make that Angel’s little eyes light up on Christmas morning. With the “Stuff-a-Stocking” program, the Salvation Army supplies the stockings and each stocking comes with a tag that lists the child’s sex and age enabling donors to fill the stocking with appropriate items.

A special thank to New Lawyers Section chair, Karen Authement for heading up this wonderful project. If you are interested in supporting MAJ and the MAJ Foundation’s outreach efforts, please contact us at (410) 872-0990 or visit our website at www.marylandassociationforjustice.com/majfoundation.

Whether you participate with MAJ’s efforts or do so on your own, please consider adopting a holiday project. Check with your local food bank, women’s shelter, soup kitchen, or civic organization. Donate your time, your food, or your money. Every little gesture counts.

Happy Holidays!