ACC Dallas-Fort Worth Assembles Care Packages for US Armed Forces

As part of its ongoing commitment to public service, the ACC Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Chapter recently joined with its pro bono partner, Reed Smith LLP, to assemble care packages for US soldiers, sailors, and airmen during the ACC DFW’s Annual Chapter Meeting at the Four Seasons Las Colinas in Irving, TX. 

Immediate Past President Scott Young, who chairs ACC DFW’s pro bono committee, organized and led the effort in partnership with Sarah Cummings, a healthcare partner with Reed Smith and co-chair of the Dallas office’s Pro Bono Committee.

The event mobilized attendees to volunteer their time fill care packages with socks, snacks, and personal handwritten notes of support, encouragement, and gratitude from DFW chapter members and Reed Smith attorneys and staff.

From left to right: Jennifer Janicki (Regional Marketing Supervisor, Reed Smith); Elizabeth Brandon (Partner, Reed Smith); Scott Young (ACC DFW Immediate Past President); Michael Cooley (Partner, Reed Smith); Sarah Cummings (Partner, Reed Smith)
Volunteers form assembly line.

This fit perfectly with this year’s Annual Chapter Meeting theme “Wellness” conceived by Event Co-Chair Olesja Cormney. It was made extra special that outgoing Event Co-Chair Dana Collins was able to add this community service project.

"When I was deployed, care packages like these were a tangible reminder that people were thinking and praying for us a world away. And that is why I say it is an honor to be on this side of the exchange knowing that this box of treats will remind you of the community cheering you on."

- Dana Collins, Letter to US service members

This service event is a continuation of both the ACC DFW Chapter’s and Reed Smith’s longtime commitment to the men and women who have served in the US armed forces. Previous ACC pro bono events have included volunteering at the Veteran’s Clinic in Fort Worth in connection with the Tarrant County Bar Foundation and Texas Lawyers for Veterans.

Volunteers assemble packages.

Reed Smith lawyers in Dallas and across the nation regularly provide direct pro bono legal representation to veterans fighting for disability benefits that were wrongly denied or delayed, assisting veteran-owned small businesses, and volunteering at legal aid clinics related to veterans’ issues.