Each year, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) and the Bar Foundation, sponsor Motion for Kids, a massive holiday party attended by thousands of children in the foster care system or affected by the criminal justice system.  The children, with their families and caregivers, look forward to attending the party to participate in a variety of games and crafts, visits with Santa, live entertainment, and refreshments.  The children leave with a gift specifically selected for them by a sponsor from the St. Louis legal community.  Fundraising for and implementing the event requires extensive planning and organization for many months in advance.  Many volunteers donate their time in the days leading up to and at the party.  This year, as with just about everything else in 2020, the annual Motion for Kids holiday party required significant improvisation and revision.  Even though an enormous indoor gathering was not feasible this year, the BAMSL staff and volunteers were determined to put together something special for these children in what has been an especially difficult year.

Attorneys Hallie Van Duren and Courtney Green were both on committee for this year's event.  The Motion for Kids committee began making plans for the party early in the fall, hoping that some type of party with safety modifications could still take place.  A venue was reserved to hold a drive-through event for the families where we could still provide the children with entertainment, food, craft kits, and of course, gifts.  As COVID rates surged and stay-at-home orders took effect, it became clear that even the modified drive-through party was not possible.  While the whole party experience seems to be memorable and enjoyable for the children, one part that seems to really bring happiness is receiving their gifts, selected and purchased for them from their wish list.  For many of these children, it may be the only gift they receive this holiday season.  Although the pandemic has prevented many events throughout this year, the committee was committed to providing gifts to these children despite the roadblocks and barriers presented by COVID-19.

After the decision was made that the drive-through event had to be cancelled, the staff and committee immediately got to work making plans.  Each volunteer worked closely with agency partners, who provided information for children recipients in order to facilitate the gift purchasing and distribution.  Sponsors in the legal community purchased gifts for the children and/or made financial contributions for the purchase of gifts. The presents were then sorted and organized by volunteers before being transported and distributed to the families. Because of logistical considerations, some children received gift cards to stores of their choosing. Funds for the purchase of gift cards were raised through donations, purchased by BAMSL, and then distributed through the agency partners. In the end, 1,543 children were able to receive gifts to brighten their holiday season.  The Center for Family Law adopted over 20 children.

It may have looked quite a bit different, as with most things this past year, but thanks to the dedicated volunteers and staff, in a year of disappointment and spoiled plans, their efforts were successful in bringing some much-needed joy to these deserving children.  The Center for Family Law is looking forward being a part of this memorable event next year, and in person!

If you are interested in making a donation to Motion for Kids or participating in next year's event, please contact the firm or BAMSL (www.bamsl.org).