Two people wearing aprons and gloves are preparing shredded chicken in a kitchen. Both are wearing face masks, and behind them are large cans stacked on shelves and a stainless steel refrigerator. The person on the left is wearing a blue cap and a checkered shirt, while the person on the right is wearing a black t-shirt and a smartwatch.
Community Engagement
January 7, 2021

SWMW Attorneys, Staff End 2020 Cooking Meals for Those in Need – SWMW Law | Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lawyers

SWMW Law puts a high priority on putting people first, and in December, attorneys and staff members teamed up with St. Louis-based Food Outreach to do just that.

For two days, employees donned their facemasks and joined the dedicated team at Food Outreach to prepare more than 1,000 meals for men, women and children with HIV/AIDS or cancer. Always looking for ways to put into practice its mission statement “Because People Matter,” the firm was proud to lend a hand to help with such important work.

“Our firm is committed to our clients and to supporting the communities we call home,” said SWMW Member Ben Schmickle. “We believe it’s not only our social responsibility to share our time and resources with those who need it – it’s something we’re passionate about doing. We look forward to working with more organizations in the New Year.”

In addition to volunteering, SWMW attorneys and staff also participated in Food Outreach’s virtual canned-food drive, raising more than $1,000 for the organization to purchase food for its clients.

“Between volunteering and the canned-food drive, SWMW’s impact on the lives of our clients is beyond amazing,” said Ashley Green Otto, Volunteer Services Coordinator for Food Outreach.

For the employees who volunteered, the experience is one they look forward to repeating.

“It was eye-opening to see how many people rely on the services of Food Outreach and how many people are in need,” said paralegal Melinda Kage. “I left with an appreciation of how much hard work goes into serving our community and even more excited to pay it forward again in the future.”

“I enjoyed working in the kitchen alongside co-workers that I usually don’t have the chance to interact with,” said paralegal Paige Donnelly. “I feel like we got closer as a team and were able to do some amazing work in the process. I would absolutely love to volunteer again.”

To learn more about Food Outreach, including its mission and how you can get involved, visit here.