Another Year, Another Season of Giving at SM&P

SM&P prides itself on giving back to the local community throughout the year and during each holiday season. Again this year, team members found ways to celebrate the season through their gifts of time and funds.

Ringing the Red Kettle Bell

Paralegal Christine Green and Victoria Turney, client relations manager, donated a few hours to ring the bell in support of the “red kettle” and Cobb County families. This was Christine’s first bell-ringing effort and probably something she will do again. “I enjoyed seeing the faces of the children when they had the opportunity to ring the bell, as well as those who financially supported the red kettle fundraising.”

The bell-ringing season starts each November and runs through Christmas Eve. Every dollar collected in red kettles supports The Metro Atlanta Salvation Army’s homelessness services, youth enrichment efforts, and anti-trafficking programs.

Volunteers like Christine and Victoria are the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises about $30 per hour – enough to provide a family with two bags of groceries or shelter one person for a night. With the help of all the bell ringers, the organization was able to collect donations that will directly impact more than 57,000 metro Atlanta residents.

Laying Wreaths to Remember Veterans

The firm advocates for veterans twelve months of the year. They ended this year of support with a solemn gesture toward those who served by participating in National Wreaths Across America Day. Each December, the mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach” is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in remembrance of our veterans. More than 1,600 locations in every U.S. state, at sea, and abroad participated. In Cobb County, groups and individuals gathered on December 14 to place wreaths at the Marietta National Cemetery.

“A big part of our firm culture has always been giving back,” said Mary Montgomery, founding and managing partner. “And giving back to those who gave so much, who gave everything, is something everyone here believes in.”

Sherri Dombi, SM&P executive assistant, expressed her gratitude for the firm sponsoring wreaths to support the cause. “The wreaths are purchased from donations, and I am glad we are a part of the tribute,” she said.

According to account manager Stacy Johnson, it is great to see the community take a break during the hustle and bustle of the holidays to come out and show their appreciation. “Seeing all of the wreaths is very impactful and reminds passersby of the sacrifices of our veterans and their families that we should never forget.”