Happy Holidays from all of us at Woods Aitken LLP. We wish you a joyous holiday season and wonderful New Year!
Click here to view our holiday e-card.
In 1921, Frank Woods, Sr., Thomas Woods, and William Aitken founded our law firm. Five years later, the partners hired Philip Aitken, brother of William Aitken, and paid him $50.00 per month, a decent wage for a fledgling lawyer at the time.
This fall and in reflection of Phil Aitken’s starting salary, $50.00 was given to each member of the Woods Aitken family with the simple and profound task of doing something kind for someone else- whether it is directly helping an individual or supporting an organization.
The founders believed that serving the community was an obligation entailing more than the provision of outstanding legal services; it also entails active involvement and charitable contribution. This belief still holds true today. Every attorney and staff member at Woods Aitken is committed to making our communities better places to work, live, and raise a family.
Here are a few stories about our gifts:
BFLS Inc.
This year, I chose to donate to BFLS Inc., an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for patients and families affected by the rare genetic disorder Borgeson-Forssman-Lehmann Syndrome (BFLS). Fewer than one hundred cases have been reported since its discovery in 1962. My young nephew has BFLS. This rare disorder is often characterized by unique facial features, intellectual disabilities, seizures, and mobility issues associated with the condition, though symptoms can vary widely. He is an incredibly special kid, and we are grateful for the wonderful team of family, friends, medical providers, and educators who support him every day.
Bleeding and Clotting Disorder Institute
I donated to help fund research for Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), an autoimmune disease my brother has struggled with his entire life. Watching him face the challenges of this condition has been incredibly difficult, and I want to do my part to support progress toward better treatments and a cure.
BraveBe Child Advocacy Center
BraveBe has created an environment that is safe and supportive, that promotes the courage it takes for a child to speak about the unspeakable. They do a tremendous job for our community. While seeking justice and providing hope, healing is the ultimate goal for these children. Empowering these brave children through BraveBe is a wonderful cause.
Children’s Hospital Colorado
We are going to make tie blankets for Children’s Hospital Colorado. The hospital is asking for donated blankets to provide to children receiving care. We will use our money to buy materials and supplies. The goal is to make as many blankets as possible!
Energy Outreach Colorado
My donation is going to Energy Outreach Colorado. EOC provides financial assistance and other resources to Coloradoans to make their homes more energy efficient and pay utility bills in emergencies.
Food Bank of the Rockies
We are donating to the Food Bank of the Rockies. The Food Bank of the Rockies provides food and necessities to people in need throughout the region.
Germantown K9 Fundraising Organization, Inc.
I donated to the Germantown K9 Fundraising Organization, Inc. This organization raises funds for two K9 officers, a therapy dog, their handlers, and the specialized vehicles and safety equipment necessary to support a K9 operation. Germantown is a small community where the taxpayers don’t provide enough funds to support K9 officers, so this organization provides for that.
Horizons Colorado
I donated to Horizons Colorado. Horizons acknowledges the gaps in opportunity and achievement for young learners (pre-k to high school) in Colorado (in particular the Denver metro area) and provides them opportunities to discover the joy of learning, skills for success, and inspiration to achieve dreams with the goal that it will help them increase school attendance, achieve better grades, and improve self-esteem. Horizons has year-round programs that require outside funding and support, including a 6-week intensive summer program focusing on literacy, STEM, and whole-child development.
Nature Conservancy
I donated to the Nature Conservancy to support their effort to protect our world’s wildlands and the animals, plants, and people that rely on them.
NCS (Nebraska Cancer Specialists) Hope Foundation
We sent our donation to NCS (Nebraska Cancer Specialists) Hope Foundation. They provide grants and supportive services to oncology and hematology patients, families, and caregivers receiving treatment in Nebraska. Their assistance covers items such as housing, utilities, transportation, grocery gift cards, and costs associated with the treatment journey.
Nourishing Our Neighbors
My donation was used to purchase food for a free food pantry that my church has for folks in the community.
My daughters and I purchased food items to fill the little free food pantries around Lincoln, hoping to bring a bit of comfort to those who need it most.
Operation Christmas Child
I will be using the funds for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, and my kids will pack boxes for children their age and share some of the joy of Christmas with kids around the world. Last year, our boxes went to Benin in West Africa. It is such a privilege to use this experience to expand my kiddos' view of the world and their understanding of the reason for the season!
Siena Francis House
I am buying sheets to donate to the Siena Francis House Homeless Shelter. They have a shortage of sheets.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
I made my donation to the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization that builds and delivers beds to children in our community who don’t have beds to sleep in, because no child should have to sleep on the floor.
Surprise Acts of Kindness
We are replacing and painting a few missing boards on our disabled neighbor’s fence.
I bought candy for folks at a memory care facility and will be getting friends with young children to go trick-or-treating there on Friday so that the residents can see the kids in their costumes and hand out candy.
An overworked checkout employee went home with $50 more than he bargained for last night.
My $50 was put towards school lunch bills.
I tipped my Lyft driver an extra $50!
Town and Country Animal Rescue
Town and Country Animal Rescue is dedicated to saving lives and fostering meaningful connections between people and pets. Their mission, "Saving lives, connecting people and pets," guides every aspect of their work, ensuring that each animal in need receives compassionate care until a loving home is found. Through education, outreach, and rescue efforts, they are committed to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect while strengthening the bond between pets and their families.