The Dvorak Law Group, LLC, annual holiday party was on December 21. This year it was a “Team Holiday Giving Challenge.” The result was donating to charities totaling $7,000. Employees were divided into seven teams and given $1,000 to “make an immediate impact on those less fortunate.” The goal was to maximize impact with low visibility. Teams had about three hours to complete donations and then give a presentation to the company on their giving. Team 1 donated to the Stephen Center. Their website says “the multi-facility campus designed to support vulnerable men, women, and children as they seek to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty”. The team was told their largest need was for pillows and sheets for twin beds. They also said there were 12 children living at the Center, ages newborn to 17 years old. The team went to Costco and Target and purchased 20 pillows, 20 sets of sheets, blankets, stocking hats, gloves, mittens and stocking hats and toys for each of the 12 children specifically matching their age and gender. They also bought pajamas for the infants and 12 adult Husker and Creighton stocking hats.
Items donated by Team 1 to the Stephen Center.
Team 2 supported the Salvation Army Winter Night Watch – a program that feeds and clothes the homeless in the Omaha area. The team donated coats, blankets, gloves, hats, and scarves to the three Night Watch units. In addition to donations to the Night Watch, this team also provided food, clothing, and necessities to the Beautiful Gates Mission, one of the Night Watch stops. The Mission provides shelter, food, clothing, and assistance to the homeless in the downtown area.
Team 2 with donated items the Salvation Army Winter Night Watch.
Team 3 donated to the Kountze Food Pantry. It is a local food pantry associated with the Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church. Their mission is: “feed anyone who comes through the door.” As part of Dvorak Law Group’s efforts to make an impact on the local community, this team purchased assorted food items, personal care items, and winter clothing for donation to the Pantry and assisted in stocking and organizing the donations.
Stocking the Kountze Food Pantry with donated items from Team 3.
Team 4 worked with The Open Door Mission. They are a Gospel Rescue Mission who is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty according to their website. They were in need of gifts for teenage boys, adult men, and teenage girls – age groups that are often overlooked – and specifically asked for razors for the men. The team picked up over 100 shaving/lotion kits and makeup sets for the mission to give away to families. While the team was delivering the gift sets, the also helped to stock the shelves with blankets in their ‘free’ store.
Team 4 purchasing Items for The Open Door Mission.
Team 5 worked with the Disabled American Veterans Hall. They met with Commander Jim Skarda to discuss how the team could make the biggest impact for his organization. After speaking with Commander Skarda about the dozens of meals he and the many other volunteers prepare and serve there every year, they understood the biggest need for the group was a new ceiling in their kitchen. The team’s Lowe’s gift card will pay for all the materials needed to replace the dirty and sagging old ceiling tiles with brand new, vinyl (non-porous and washable) tiles that will last for many years to come.
Team 5 after their presentation of giving.
Team 6 donated to Anna at the Child Saving Institute. This Program provides pregnant and young parents, 13 – 24 years old, with support services and parent education. The team worked with the Program to determine the Institute’s most needed items. They purchased strollers, high chairs and intellectually stimulating toys for infants, and warm coats, mittens, and hats for children ranging in age from infants through 5 years old. They also donated other items for CSI’s Teen and Young Parent Program. Participants are able to “purchase” the items such as those donated by Dvorak Law Group by earning points for graduating or earning their GED, attending parenting classes, going to prenatal visits, and taking their children for check-ups and immunizations.
Team 6 donating items to Anna at the Child Saving Institute.
Team 7 donated to the Women’s Center for Advancement. They provide resources to women and children in the Omaha area who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking. The team met with Erin Mulligan, the Development Associate with the WCA. Mulligan said the WCA had recently received a large donation of diapers, but no wipes. The team purchased five cases of wipes for the WCA. In addition, the team purchased new underwear and winter socks for the WCA’s clothing closet. Finally, the team donated ten $50 Walmart gift cards since; the WCA receives several requests for groceries and essentials.
Team 7 purchasing donations for the Women’s Center for Advancement.
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