As you read this, about 350 seniors throughout Jacksonville are enjoying gifts they might not have gotten without the efforts of The Jacksonville Bar Association’s (JBA) Holiday Project.

The project is a partnership between the JBA, Meals on Wheels and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Members of the JBA are matched with a senior in the Meals on Wheels program and the member purchases a gift for the senior from a wish list they fill out. Gift suggestions include a blanket, slippers, robe and toaster oven. Once they pick up the gift, the member can either drop it off at the senior’s home or have it delivered by a officer from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The JBA was able to help about 350 seniors in the program.

“I want to thank all of the members of the Jacksonville Bar Association and their staff who participated in the project this year. I would also like to thank the office staff at the JBA office for all of their help, and Kenyonn Demps at the Urban Jacksonville Meals on Wheels Program for her enthusiastic support,” said Michael McCoy, project chair. “In addition, I would like to send a special thanks to Sheriff John Rutherford and the men and women of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office who volunteer each year to help deliver gifts to the seniors. I am very appreciative of their long-standing support that has helped to make the JBA Holiday Project such a great success.”

McCoy’s enthusiasm for the project was shared by Rutherford.

“We are proud to be partnering with the Jacksonville Bar Association to deliver these gifts,” said Rutherford. “It’s a little way we can help out during the holidays and we are proud to do it.”

The Young Lawyers Section (YLS) of the JBA will continue the giving spirit as it partners with the Northeast Florida Paralegal’s Association to host the “Holiday in January” project to benefit children in the foster care system. The project features a party complete with a visit from Santa Claus, games and craft stations, pizza, snacks and presents, including bicycles. Family Support Services of North Florida will assist with the event held Jan. 16

The project normally provides gifts for about 25 kids. For more information on volunteering or sponsorship please contact Fraz Ahmed at FA@kubickidraper.com or Lindsay Tygart-Havice at LTygart@murphyandersonlaw.com