Adams and Reese partnered with the Tampa Police Department on a special holiday project to collect and distribute gifts to children of the R.I.C.H. House Robles Park, which was started 12 years ago by the Tampa Police Department as a safe haven for the children of Sulphur Springs.
Many underprivileged children participate in safe after school and summer programs which provide homework assistance, computer access, and tutoring in an environment focused on learning. The children, ages seven to 16, also receive food and clothing from The R.I.C.H. House pantry.
On Wednesday, December 4th, employees of Adams and Reese, along with clients, friends and members of the Tampa Police Department, hosted an event to collect gifts and donations to benefit the children. Some of the gifts that were collected and donated were: gift cards for major box retailers; personal hygiene items; socks and pajamas; puzzles; children’s wrist watches; reference books (dictionary, etc.) and maps (U.S., Florida); and school supplies.
The attorneys of Adams and Reese Tampa office also took up a collection and purchased a projector and screen for the R.I.C.H. House. The screen and projector were presented to Officer Susan Bowers to keep at the House as a much-needed learning tool. Adams and Reese employees also purchased stockings and stocking stuffers and decorated each one by personalizing them with the children’s names.
On Monday, December 22nd, a few members of the firm went to the R.I.C.H. House to watch Santa and Mrs. Claus deliver the presents to each child.
The holiday project was part of the Adams and Reese HUGS (Hope, Understanding, Giving and Support) community service and philanthropic program, which for 25 years has donated time and financial resources to more than 100 organizations throughout the law firm’s regional footprint.
The R.I.C.H house started in 2000. All programs, food, materials are paid for through in kind donates or purchased with donated funds. This year the house had 11 students graduate high school, seven are now enrolled in college and four have gone to the military.