The law firm of Watson Spence wanted to find a way to help local charitable organizations during the holiday season while honoring the personal involvement and commitment of its partners and attorneys within the Albany community.

The “Twelve Days of Christmas” initiative provided Watson Spence the opportunity to help deserving, local charitable organizations throughout the region.  

“Watson Spence has been involved in the community through civic and charitable organizations for many decades,” said Watson Spence Managing Partner Faison Middleton. “The Twelve Days of Christmas was a new way the firm could serve the community in a coordinated effort and donate at a level that had a greater impact.”

From Dec. 11 through Dec. 23, attorneys with Watson Spence presented a $1,000 check each day to a charitable organization in the Albany area.  

The first check was given to the Drama Program at Dougherty Comprehensive High School, followed by Girl’s Inc. of Albany, Albany Humane Society, Phoebe Foundation (SWGA Medical Student Housing Project), Cancer Coalition of South Georgia, Lee County Retired Educators Association, Albany Art Museum, Albany Civil Rights Institute, Children’s Miracle Network (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital), Albany Symphony Orchestra, Neighbors in Need, and Mission Change.   

“Partners in the firm were able to select an organization that they either had some significant personal meaning to them as a result of past involvement or other connection,” Middleton said.  

Middleton selected Mission Change as his charity because he desired to assist an organization that helps feed, clothe, and care for the homeless and hungry, as well as focusing on the under-served inner-city youth of Albany. 

“I was looking for a new place, and Mission of Change represented an organization that is focused on providing for those not just through the holidays but throughout the year,” said Middleton. 

Watson Spence continued giving past the twelfth day with a bonus $1,000 gift to the Flint RiverQuarium to honor the service of Emily Jean McAfee, an avid supporter and longtime volunteer with the RiverQuarium.  

“I have been involved with the Flint RiverQuarium for many years through some of its strategic planning and fundraising efforts,” said Middleton. “This gift was given to honor Emily Jean McAfee a community volunteer who has served on the school board, chamber of commerce, and so many organizations. It was a natural place to provide some money and honor her.” 

Middleton said the idea of giving back to the community, not only during the holidays but throughout the year, is a concept that everyone at Watson Spence supports. 

“The folks at Watson Spence are the type of people who are looking for ways to make a difference,” he said. “When we started the Twelve Days of Christmas, there was an immediate and palpable energy around the office, and I believe the way we structured the donations helped all of us think about the holidays and its meaning on a personal level.”