Giordano Halleran Fulfills Wish Lists For Survivors

WISHES ANSWERED: Featured are some of the 54 gifts and 17 gift cards donated to nine families by attorneys and staff at Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla in Red Bank.

Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla in Red Bank went digital in 2020 for its seventh annual "Giving Tree" program to provide holiday gifts to Monmouth County domestic and sexual violence survivors. The Amanda's Easel project, run by the nonprofit 180 Turning Lives Around Inc. of Hazlet, is a creative arts therapy program that helps children ages 4-14 and family members to heal. Participants are encouraged to express their emotions through art, play and music therapy in a nurturing environment. The program also focuses on self-esteem, coping skills and parent-child communication. Giordano Halleran donated some 54 gifts and 17 gift cards to nine families, according to the firm's announcement. "Sadly, as a result of the pandemic, there have been a number of news articles indicating that domestic abuse is on the rise and so, we are particularly glad that Giordano, Halleran can help brighten the holidays of these families," said partner Melissa V. Skrocki, who co-chairs the project with coworker Margie Nimbley. In previous years, the firm has featured a tree and a menorah in the office with tags bearing the wish list of requested gifts. This year, with most working from home, the firm turned to a website to create a virtual "Giving Tree." Lawyers and staff wrote in their names next to the requested gifts and fulfilled wishes by delivering gifts to the office before Nimbley arranged for delivery to 180 Turning Lives Around. The gifts included blankets, Legos and other toys, jewelry, makeup, video games, clothing, and kitchen items, the firm noted.

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