SIDEBAR Winter 2019-2020 - 25

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need within the Montgomery County community (https://
www.patriciansociety.org).
* Bringing Hope Home, a non-profit organization that
provides assistance to families of those affected by cancer
(http://bringinghopehome.org/).
* Sadie's Sleigh, an organization that provides toys for
children of all ages who are undergoing cancer treatment and
hospitalization at CHOP during the holidays (https://www.
sadiekellerfoundation.org/sadies-sleigh ).

Throughout the year, the lawyers and staff gave of themselves
supporting many local charitable events and non-profit
organizations. But, at the end of the year, the spirit of the
holidays rang out. We held a food drive in November providing
five Thanksgiving baskets to needy families served by Keystone
Opportunity Center in Souderton. Each Wednesday evening
between Thanksgiving and
Christmas, our attorneys, staff and
family members could be found
"ringing the bells" for the Salvation
Army of Norristown outside the
Macy's store at the Montgomery
Mall. We have been giving our
time to the Salvation Army for 14
years and look forward to it each
year. Although cold outside, it is truly a heartwarming experience.
In December, we adopted several families and seniors through
CADCOM in Norristown, Manna on Main Street in Lansdale,
and Keystone Opportunity Center providing those in need with
gifts and gift cards as well as contributing to the organizations
to support their day-to-day operations. We enjoy wrapping the
gifts in anticipation of the joy they will bring to "our families."
Animals are also an important part of our lives, and we include
them, too, supporting the Last Chance Ranch in Quakertown.
We collected pet supplies, treats, paper towels, and cleaning
supplies along with contributions to the organization to support its
ongoing work. Charitable giving is an important part of our daily
lives and not just a year-end event at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg
and Gifford. We feel fortunate to be able to give back to the local
community throughout the year but especially at year end.

As a result of the
culture developed at
Friedman Schuman, its
Giving Back Committee
has established a
calendar of activities that enables the firm to realize its goal of
community involvement and support. Every Fall, the members
of the firm make either monetary contributions or donate nonperishable food items that enable the firm to donate two complete
Thanksgiving dinners to families in need in our community.
The monetary donations are converted into gift cards from local
grocery stores of at least $100.00 for each family so that they
may add whatever they need to make their Thanksgiving dinner
complete.
During the holiday season, the firm coordinates support of
the local "Toys for Tots" collection by its members, as well as a
clothing drive to benefit either a local women's shelter or the "One
Warm Coat" effort.
In the Spring, the firm will continue its 20-plus year custom
of supporting the Philadelphia MS Walk by sending a team to
participate in the walk as well as providing financial support.
During the Summer of 2020, the firm will spearhead the
collection of used eyeglasses for the local Lions Club. Another
tradition of the firm is its ongoing support of the American
Cancer Society, marked by its "Denim Day" in October.
Friedman Schuman is very proud of the response by its
shareholders, attorneys and staff to any and all "calls to action" in
these charitable endeavors.
Shemtob Draganosky Taylor, PC
skipped the office holiday gift giving this
season in order to give to those who need
it most. For the 2019 holiday season, the
firm collected and donated board books,
game, toys, blankets, for Mitzvah Circle
Foundation to distribute to local people
in need.
Based in Montgomery County, Mitzvah Circle Foundation is
a local nonprofit organization that provides material support to
individuals and families dealing with crisis, poverty, homelessness,
and serious illness. Mitzvah Circle is not faith-based and helps
people in need without regard to race or religion. Most items are
delivered to local individuals and families in need, right here in
Montgomery County and the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
This is the third year in a row, Shemtob Draganosky Taylor, PC
has collected for people in need. Last year, the firm collected and
donated winter outerwear for adults and children, as well as toys,
games, and activity books for children.

Throughout the year, John R. Howland, Esq., volunteers to
hold newborn babies, including those suffering from Neonatal
Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), at Einstein Hospital's Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit. John and his fellow volunteers ensure that
the infants feel needed and the warmth of a caring person through
the power of human contact. Many area hospitals offer similar
programs. If you are interested, please contact your local hospital
and inquire about their volunteer services.

"Helping families is part of our culture here at Shemtob
Draganosky Taylor," said Lori K. Shemtob, the firm's founding
partner. "We are proud to have the opportunity to help those who
are enduring hardships, and we hope these donations brighten
their lives a little bit."

WINTER 2019-2020 25

http://www.patriciansociety.org http://www.patriciansociety.org http://www.bringinghopehome.org/ http://www.sadiekellerfoundation.org/sadies-sleigh http://www.sadiekellerfoundation.org/sadies-sleigh

SIDEBAR Winter 2019-2020

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