'Tis the Season to Give

The other day I was walking into one of my favorite department stores, and I noticed a Salvation Army volunteer ringing his silver bell, encouraging shoppers to place their spare change in his little red bucket. It's something I see every holiday season, and I know I often take for granted. But this time was different. It was freezing outside, and I wanted to dash into the store as quickly as I could. But this guy was not shivering, and he seemed really happy to be spending his time outdoors. When I saw this volunteer outside the department store, it made me think, "What inspires him to stand out here in the freezing cold? And once the holiday season is over, what happens next? Aside from dropping coins in his bucket, what else can I do to help those who are less fortunate than me?"

OK. OK. I know what you're probably thinking. She's gonna get all preachy about charity work and volunteering.

Well … yes and no.

One thing that I do not endorse or advocate is involuntary charity on the part of the giver. No one should ever feel pressured to give. Most certainly, the willingness and the desire to give are things that should come from an individual's heart. I don't like to hear of instances where people were "guilted" or even forced into giving. What you do with this message is up to you. I can only hope it will encourage and inspire you in some small way.

So what can you do as an association member, as a legal professional and as an individual? One thing that comes to mind is the ALLA Community Affairs Committee. This year, Nola Vanhoy, Debbie Putnam and others coordinated a toiletries drive with the Atlanta Bar Association to benefit women and children who were victims of abuse and living in shelters. Nola, Debbie and others also worked a canned food drive back in March. If you want to participate in some charitable work in the coming year, then the ALLA Community Affairs Committee might be just the ticket.

But volunteering need not be limited to ALLA activities. Many law firms and legal service providers around the city will be participating in the eleventh annual Hands on Atlanta MLK Service Day on Monday, January 19, 2004. The MLK Service Day is a great opportunity to work with your colleagues to improve a school, a park, a shelter or a community center. Other upcoming opportunities include the Legal Run-Around, a 5-K race to benefit the families of police officers who were injured or killed in the line of duty, and the Atlanta Legal Aid Society annual campaign, which aids those who cannot afford civil legal assistance.

You get the idea. We are an organization full of talented, spirited and fortunate individuals. As you approach the New Year, think not only of ways to improve your life, but ways to improve the lives of others.

Happy Holidays to everyone.

Tricia Bond
Atlanta Law Libraries Association President, 2003-2004