As the pro bono coordinator for the Paralegal Association of Northern Virginia (PANV), our own Joanne Randa coordinated participation in the annual Adopt-a-Marine program this year. This is the fourth year that PANV has participated in this worthwhile program.
In the fall, PANV adopts a family, with an active duty U.S. Marine member, for the holidays. Eligible families are those needing financial assistance for the holiday season. Marine Family Services screens the applicant families for resources and need, and then assigns families to program participants. Applying families indicate what items they need and want for the holidays, and Marine Family Services provides this information to participants. Participants then shop for requested gifts, wrap the gifts, and deliver them to Marine Family Services in December.
This year, PANV adopted a family of four: a husband, wife, and their five year old daughter and 21 month old son. The family’s requests included kitchen items, clothing, and toys. The little girl wanted anything “princess” and the little boy wanted anything to do with “cars.”
Joanne and Kathi Ingram (PANV president) did the shopping. They purchased Princess Barbie dolls and an educational toy (My First Leap Top) for the little girl, and Little People cars, dump truck and Clifford for the little boy. In addition to the all-important toys, PANV purchased clothing, a blender, a set of pots and pans, and a gift card for the family. PANV raised the money through generous donations from its members and the legal community.
We cannot say enough about all the great pro-bono work Joanne does. Great job Joanne! Your efforts will certainly brighten the holidays for a very deserving family. Check out the photos below!
