Steptoe & Johnson PLLC offices across the country gave back to more than 20 community organizations during the inaugural Firmwide Day of Service on Friday, May 10. The initiative is part of Steptoe & Johnson’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance efforts which integrate into the policies and values that help govern the firm’s operations.
“The Firmwide Day of Service is an opportunity to show our commitment to the communities in which we do business,” said Steptoe & Johnson CEO Christopher L. Slaughter. “These activities will also allow our team to spend time together helping deserving organizations.”
Below is a list of participating offices and projects:
Bridgeport
Lawyers and staff of the Bridgeport office had three volunteer opportunities to choose from. Some employees worked with the Harrison County CASA Program, Inc. (CASA) to paint, clean, organize, and do yard work at their new house while others helped clean and maintain one of the local parks for Bridgeport Parks and Recreation. There was also an event in the office to help pack infant hygiene bags and birthday boxes for CASA which supports family stability by advocating for every child who has experienced abuse or neglect to have a permanent home and an opportunity to thrive.
Charleston
Charleston employees worked on two separate projects for the Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha ReStore. One team worked at the ReStore community herb garden where volunteers prepared raised garden beds, planted herbs, and painted the garden sign. They also assisted with trimming trees and bushes and purchasing flowers to be planted in flower boxes. The other team of employees worked in the ReStore donation department, where they moved, sorted, and cleaned a large intake of donated items. Additionally, the office coordinated an in-office opportunity which benefited Hope for Appalachia programs, an organization that seeks to provide a safe community and resources for those who are affected by addiction. The firm purchased hygiene products for K-12 students for the Children’s Resource Center and HOPE Closet program. The Charleston team placed labels on the donated items with contact information for the Children’s Resource Center which will be given to public school students affected by addiction.
Dallas / Collin County
The Dallas and Collin County employees prepared and packed meals for Feed My Starving Children, a Christian nonprofit organization that provides meals for malnourished children in nearly 70 countries.
Columbus
The Columbus office prepared hygiene and footwear (socks and flip flops) bags for Gates of Hope, which helps individuals affected by mental health and drug and/or alcohol abuse, human trafficking, and other areas which could delay or prevent someone to come out of a desperate situation.
Denver
The Denver office participated in the Denver Park Trust’s annual city-wide park stewardship day called Parks, Rivers, Trails & Trees. Employees took part in picking up trash and debris, spreading mulch, and other activities that will enhance Civic Center Park, the park closest to the downtown Denver office. The clean-up portion of the day was followed by a family-friendly community celebration with food, drinks, games, and music.
Huntington
Members of the Huntington office had an out of office service opportunity to coordinate various promotions for the 100th year celebration of St. Mary’s Medical Center’s and for the Artisans Celebration 2024: Wild and Wonderful project which benefits Hoops Family Children’s Hospital. The Artisans Celebration is a unique undertaking for artists to create original fiberglass cast sculptures and share them with the community with all proceeds benefiting the Children’s Hospital. Other Huntington employees participated in an in-office community service event which included assembling “goodie” bags for the adult infusion patients at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Lexington
Lexington office employees volunteered at Lifeline Christian Mission and packed shelf-stable, nutritious meals (beans, rice, spices) that will be shipped to children and families facing hunger in the Lexington community and around the world.
Louisville
The Louisville office offered two community service opportunities for employees to participate in which included helping at Wellspring’s ribbon cutting ceremony for their new facility and refreshing patios and windows on the grounds and campus of Home of the Innocents. Wellspring’s mission is to lead their community in developing housing, providing treatment and strengthening recovery for adults with mental illness. Home of the Innocents provides programs to children and families that include residential and community-based behavioral health services, therapeutic foster care and adoption services, supportive services for young adults experiencing homelessness, and long-term care for children with complex medical needs. Josh Stearns serves on the board for Wellspring and Ben Riddle serves on the board for Home of the Innocents.
Meadville
Members of the Meadville office served lunch at the Meadville Area Soup Kitchen to those in need and are seeking a safe environment in the community. The soup kitchen also appreciates donations so in keeping with the giving spirit, the office donated their allotted Day of Service funds to the soup kitchen.
Morgantown
Several employees of the Morgantown office volunteered at the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties helping them prepare for their 19th Annual Blue and Gold Mine Sale. The event keeps 20-25 tons of items out of landfills each year and items are collected from around the community. Additionally, through the generous donations from Morgantown employees of clothing, jewelry, accessories, etc. the office set up and hosted an in-office shopping event that benefits Christian Help. Christian Help provides a spectrum of resources, all free of cost, to people in unfortunate and unexpected situations.
Pittsburgh
Members of the Pittsburgh office went to the Light of Life Resue Mission homeless shelter to assist with their food pantry, serve breakfast, and assist in the donation center to distribute and organize donations. Light of Life Rescue Mission is a Christian-based organization which provides food, shelter, and hope to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction.
San Antonio
The San Antonio office sorted and packed food at the warehouse for the San Antonio Food Bank. Additionally, the San Antonio office chose to donate the funds to the Food Bank that were allocated to them for participants’ lunches during the Day of Service. They felt that the funds were better spent to feed those less fortunate than themselves in the San Antonio area.
Southpointe
Employees of the Southpointe office spent the day at Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown in Bridgeville, PA. JA BizTown is a fully interactive, mock town that simulates the day-to-day functions of thriving communities. Volunteers helped students in grades 4-6 connect the dots between what they learn in school and how it’s applied in the real world.
Wheeling
Employees of the Wheeling office split into three groups and volunteered at The Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling, the Ohio County Animal Shelter, and the Marshall County Animal Shelter, helping to serve meals, take care of animals, and help organize and clean the facilities. Donations to all these community organizations were also collected as part of the office’s efforts.
The Woodlands
Members of The Woodlands office participated in the HAAM Social Services Bean Soup Project. HAAM is an interfaith social service organization that connects individuals and families in crisis to community resources. Employees mixed together a variety of beans and bagged them in quart size storage bags along with a bean soup recipe. The soup bags were delivered to the HAAM Food Pantry for distribution to those in need. The office also donated wish list items and $350 to the Montgomery County Women’s Center (MCWC). The MCWC provides crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, and support services to victims (and their families) of sexual violence.
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