Food Drives, Blood Drives, Mentoring, and More
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The Wake County Bar Association has a proud tradition of dedicating itself to public service. Each year hundreds of Wake County lawyers participate in public service projects sponsored by the WCBA. In 2000 alone, over 300 WCBA lawyers participated in public service projects sponsored by the WCBA public service committee. More than 600 Wake County lawyers donated legal services to the County's Volunteer Lawyer Program. Countless others lawyers quietly participate in volunteer and public service activities outside of the WCBA and donate their time, services and resources to the betterment of the community.
In 2000, the public service tradition of the Wake County legal community was recognized by three prestigious awards received by the WCBA - the North Carolina Bar Association's Chief Justice Award, the Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, and the Wake County Volunteer Award.
The following projects are examples of the public service projects undertaken by the WCBA.
Food Drives, Blood Drives, Mentoring, and More
Each year, WCBA members generously contribute to a variety of worthy causes. Some of the ongoing opportunities offered by the WCBA public service committee are described below.
Food Drives
Each year, as the winter holidays approach, the WCBA participates in a regional food drive sponsored by the Food Bank of North Carolina. The WCBA promotes the food drive through its various publications, and encourages firms and organizations to participate. In 2000, the WCBA coordinated a friendly competition among firms and organizations to recognize the firm or organization donating the most. This year, the leading firm collected over 500 pounds of food.
The Food Bank of North Carolina collects and distributes food to over 600 non-profit agencies throughout the region. The WCBA is proud to participate in the efforts of this outstanding organization.
Blood Drives
As the Red Cross' blood supplies run critically low each summer, the WCBA joins forces with the North Carolina Bar Association to sponsor a blood drive. Throughout the month of July, members may donate blood at conveniently located sites coordinated by the WCBA or at permanent Red Cross locations with Wake County.
In July 2000, WCBA lawyers responded to a particularly urgent plea from the Red Cross and donated nearly 100 pints. So many turned out that some were turned away at the door due to an oversupply of volunteers and a shortage of space. An inconvenience for some, perhaps, but a testament as well to the public spirit and responsiveness of the WCBA's members.
Big Brother, Big Sister Partnership
In cooperation with the YMCA, the WCBA promotes and encourages its members to participate in the Big Brother, Big Sister mentoring program. WCBA members have found that a commitment of a few hours a months can bring about life-enriching changes – both for the child and the mentor. The WCBA is committed to continuing to build on its partnership with the YMCA to promote mentoring opportunities.
Non-Profit Agency Wish List
Each month, members of the WCBA public service committee gather lists of items needed by local non-profit agencies and publish these lists in the WCBA's Bar Flyer. Lawyers, law firm and legal organizations replacing equipment or discarding surplus can find welcoming recipients of cast off items and can be assured that the items will be put to good use serving the needs of these charities. Copiers, computers, office furniture, surplus paper and writing instruments are common requests, and are requests that WCBA members can easily fulfil by accessing the Wish List column. If you are affiliated with a local non-profit agency with specific needs, contact the WCBA's public service committee so that your needs might be included in the Wish List column.