Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Fulfills Holiday Wish Lists for Monmouth County Domestic, Sexual Violence Survivors
December 2020
Giordano, Halleran and Ciesla went digital this year for its 7th annual “Giving Tree” program to provide holiday gifts to Monmouth County domestic and sexual violence survivors.
The Amanda’s Easel project, run by the nonprofit 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. of Hazlet, is a free, creative arts therapy program that helps children ages 4-14 and their non-offending parent heal. Participants are encouraged to express their emotions through art, play and music therapy in a nurturing environment.
The program also focuses on self-esteem, coping skills and parent-child communication. The goal is to give children the strength and courage to turn their lives around and make a fresh start.
This year, Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla donated more than 54 gifts and 17 gift cards to nine families.
“Sadly, as a result of the pandemic, there have been a number of news articles indicating that domestic abuse is on the rise and so, we are particularly glad that Giordano, Halleran can help brighten the holidays of these families,” said shareholder Melissa V. Skrocki, who co-chairs the project with co-worker Margie Nimbley.
In previous years, the firm has featured a tree and a menorah in the law office with tags bearing the wish list of requested gifts. This year, with most people at the firm working from home, GH&C turned to a website to create a virtual Giving Tree. Lawyers and staff wrote in their names next to the requested gifts and fulfilled wishes by delivering gifts to the office before arranging for delivery of the presents to 180 Turning Lives Around.
The gifts this year included blankets, Legos, jewelry, makeup, video games, clothing, sneakers, a toy drone, toy truck, air fryer, waffle iron, Instapot, dolls, sheets, kitchen utensils, board games and action figures, among other items.
“Each year, our Giordano, Halleran family continues to demonstrate the true spirit of the season through its generosity and kindness,” Skrocki said. More information regarding 180 Turning Lives Around and its programs can be found at 180nj.org.
