McLane Law Firm Supports YMCA Through Holiday Card Design Competition

December 1, 2004, CONCORD, NH – Manchester eighth grader Samantha Companion loves to draw, but she never dreamed that one of her drawings would be showing up in the mailboxes of executives all over the state, wishing them happy holidays. But that’s exactly what is happening this week.

Ms. Companion’s drawing was chosen by the McLane Law Firm for its first student-designed holiday card, in a contest the firm designed and ran in conjunction with the Greater Manchester YMCA. The prestigious law firm set aside its tradition of sending formal and elegant cards to clients and friends of the firm, opting instead for a holiday greeting that also served a higher purpose – engaging Manchester’s youth in a program to inspire creativity, while supporting a vital community organization.

To participate in the program, seventh and eighth graders in the YMCA’s S.T.A.Y. program and the After School Child Care program submitted drawings that, to them, portrayed the essence of winter in New Hampshire. For her winning entry, Ms. Companion will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to the Mall of New Hampshire, and the Greater Manchester YMCA will receive a scholarship donation from McLane for its “Send a Kid to Camp” program.

“Naturally, we want to reach out to our clients this time of year to wish them the best of the holidays,” said McLane’s executive director, Michael McCluskey. “But this way, we’re helping out a great organization at the same time. It’s what the holidays should really be about, after all,” he added.

Harold J. Jordan, Greater Manchester YMCA President/CEO said "We are so pleased that McLane Law Firm selected the YMCA students to participate in the contest. It is a wonderful opportunity to build the students’ self-esteem and be recognized for their talents."

About the Greater Manchester Y.M.C.A.

The Greater Manchester Family YMCA provides a wide range of high quality sports, fitness, child care, and camping programs for individuals and families. The YMCA’s diverse service areas include Auburn, Candia, Manchester, Goffstown, Bedford, Londonderry, Derry, Rochester, Dover, Somersworth, and surrounding towns. In addition to offering diverse programming and services, the YMCA provides financial assistance to thousands of people, ensuring that YMCA programs are available to all. The YMCA is dedicated to improving and enhancing the community and its citizens, helping people grow as individuals—in spirit, mind, and body. They strive to continually meet the growing and changing needs of the membership and community.

About the S.T.A.Y. program

The Greater Manchester S.T.A.Y. (Support, Tutoring, Adventure for Youth) program helps seventh and eighth graders re-engage in school and learning, build social skills and reduce the use of alcohol and drugs in their lives by providing support, tutoring, adventure education, and family outreach.

About the McLane Law Firm

Founded in 1919, the McLane Law Firm has grown to the largest full-service law firm in the state of New Hampshire, with offices in Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth. Driven by the firm's depth of sophisticated legal expertise and an unwavering commitment to client service, McLane has built collaborative and lasting relationships with a broad spectrum of domestic and international clients. www.mclane.com.