While the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is known as the season of giving, the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) of the Jacksonville Bar Association (JBA) strongly believes that service to the community is a year-round commitment. In the first two months of 2009, YLS members will have unique opportunities to help children who could not participate in the holiday season and encourage special needs citizens who show their determination and spirit through sports training and competition. We urge all attorneys to join one of these worthy initiatives in the new year.
Anyone who has spent the holidays with children knows how their anticipation and excitement makes the season even more special. Whether they are making lists for Santa Claus, lighting Hanukkah candles, singing carols, or opening presents, children embody the joy associated with this time of year. Unfortunately, many children do not experience the fun of the holiday season. Each year at this time, our local child protection agency, Family Support Services of North Florida (www.fssjax.com), is forced to relocate some children from unsafe, neglectful, or abusive home environments. Since 1995, the YLS and the Northeast Florida Paralegal Association (NEFPA) have teamed up with Family Support Services to provide a “Holiday in January” for those relocated children who could not celebrate in December.
In 2008, the YLS, NEFPA, and Family Support Services hosted a party that included visits from Santa Claus and Jacksonville Suns mascot South Paw, games and crafts stations, and bicycles and other presents for all of the children who attended. It was a blast, and the 2009 “Holiday in January” party promises to be even more festive. If you are interested in helping on Saturday, Jan. 24, please contact YLS Board members Fraz Ahmed ([email protected]) or Chris Hand ([email protected]).
Opportunities for YLS service will continue on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at the Bolles School. If you ever wanted to be inspired by fellow citizens who show tremendous courage, you’ll find that inspiration at the 33rd Annual Special Olympics Duval County Summer Games. For those who don’t know the mission of this important organization, the Special Olympics Duval County Web site (www.soflduval.org) explains that “Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities.” With the goal of assisting special needs citizens in developing physical fitness and experiencing the joy and satisfaction that comes from achieving athletic goals, Special Olympics helps its athletes train for and participate in local events that can lead to state, national, and even international competition.
With athletes from all over Northeast Florida set to attend, the 2009 Duval County Games needs hundreds of volunteers to be successful. Whether you serve as a “buddy” for one of the athletes and cheer him or her on to victory, coordinate activities in the Olympic Village, or work on the softball diamond, YLS members who volunteer for this event can make a real difference. Don’t miss this opportunity to help Special Olympians strengthen themselves and the community. Contact YLS Board member Chris Hand at 632-2424 or [email protected] to join our volunteer corps for this worthy event.
Special Olympics needs volunteers and donations to make events like the Summer Games succeed. February will be our next chance to volunteer, but we’ll also have a chance to benefit Special Olympics financially at the first Special Olympics Duval County Gala in April 2009. Please contact Executive Director July Pierce at (904) 307-4221 [email protected] for more details on this upcoming celebration.
We all know that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” This holiday season gives each of us a chance to celebrate all that we have been given, and to reflect on how we can share those gifts with our fellow citizens. With “Holiday in January” and the Special Olympics Duval County Summer Games and the first Gala to benefit Special Olympics, every YLS member can give back to our great First Coast community.
The YLS wishes all of your families a safe and happy holiday season.