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:
Bleeding and Clotting Disorder Institute
My brother was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) at a very young age, watching him struggle his condition was always very difficult. I chose to donate to the Bleeding and Clotting Disorder Institute to help further research and treatment options.
BraveBe
I’ve had personal experience with the Child Advocacy Center when I was a foster parent and they are a great organization!
Broomfield FISH
I donated to Broomfield FISH, which is a non-profit organization that combats hunger in my community.
CASA of Lancaster County
As a former CASA volunteer, I saw firsthand the wonderful things this organization does to advocate for and give a voice to children who through no fault of their own are abused, neglected, and/or having to navigate through foster care/and or the court system.
Colorado Youth Outdoors
I donated because Colorado Youth Outdoors helps families grow together through outdoor activities and impacts family relationships for good.
Dolly's Legacy Animal Rescue
We donated to Dolly’s because no pet should “run out of time” to be adopted.
Food Bank of Lincoln
I choose the Food Bank of Lincoln because the right to adequate food is a basic, universal human need, and for a contribution of $50 they can provide approximately 100 meals to our neighbors that are most in need.
Generous Tip
Food service workers do humble, thankless work—I grabbed breakfast this morning at a bagel shop and left $50 as a tip.
Groceries for a Family
I bought a bag of groceries for a family in need at the grocery store. Giving brings joy to both the giver and the receiver- the ultimate gift!
Habitat for Humanity of Denver
I gave the contribution to Habitat for Humanity of Denver. It defines helping people, and teaching people to help themselves, for a critical need.
Hamilton County Inclusive Playground
It’s more fun when we ALL play together! I donated to the group fundraising for the Hamilton County Inclusive Playground – a playground intended to encourage participation by people of all ages and abilities.
Horizons Colorado and Colorado Academy
“Horizons Colorado is committed to the development of the whole child, providing invaluable experiences and changing the life trajectory of youth from under-resourced communities in and around Denver.” The program “addresses the summer slide, enhances self-esteem, fosters responsibility, builds problem-solving skills, and encourages a lifelong interest in learning.” Horizons offers nutritious meals, academic enrichment, community service, and fun outdoor activities during summer break for young students from Denver-based communities in need. The program’s goal is “to create more opportunities for all young people to thrive and be successful is in sharp focus” to help decrease “the opportunity gap” in future education and career opportunities.
I’ve Got A Name
I heard about this organization a few years ago when someone I know started working for them. I got to learn more about sex trafficking across the U.S. and in NE when I was in college for Child Protection Juvenile Justice. Paul was a great speaker and the stories from survivors are just heartbreaking.
Kids for Christ at Grace Lutheran
I chose to support Kids for Christ at Grace Lutheran, which is a twice a month after school program supporting kids of all faiths in a positive environment.
Lincoln Children's Museum
This Lincoln gem encourages my kids to learn, play, create, and use their imagination. It is full of discovery and adventure! My kids have spent HOURS inside Cuckoo Construction and yes, I have had to crawl inside the construction tower to get kids when it is time to leave.
Lincoln Music Teachers Association Music Outreach Program
I donated my funds to the Lincoln Music Teachers Association’s Music Outreach Program (LMTA) because my grandma was a piano teacher and a huge advocate for kids to learn music!
Lincoln’s Capital Humane Society
Lincoln’s Capital Humane Society took in 56 cats and kittens over the weekend, resulting in them being at 107% capacity and desperately needing cat and kitten food, so as a hopeless lover of animals, I just HAD TO FEED THE BABIES and ordered a case of kitten food from their Amazon wish list to be delivered tomorrow.
Midlands Humane Society
This year, to help cut down on euthanasia of healthy dogs and cats, I am donating to the Midlands Humane Society.
Nature Conservancy
I donated to the Nature Conservancy to help protect our wild spaces and ensure a future for the precious flora and fauna that inhabit them.
Nebraska Wildlife Rehab
I donated to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab (NWR). This support helps NWR provide quality care to thousands of native wild animals and migratory birds each year in Nebraska, so that they can be returned to life in the wild. Donations also help bring engaging, science-based wildlife education to middle and high school students, and offer a university internship program to students from across Nebraska each summer.
Night to Shine
On February 7, 2025, King of Kings Church will host Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. I donated my $50 from the Firm to this organization. Night to Shine is a complimentary event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Each event is unique to its location, but some cornerstone activities included across all of them are a red carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, limousine rides, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Sensory Room, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, dancing, and a crowning ceremony where every guest is honored as a King or a Queen - the way God sees them each and every day.
Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue
Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue picks up perishable food that otherwise would get wasted and redistributes it to nearly 40 community organizations that feed the hungry in the Omaha area.
Sheldon Museum of Art
I support the Sheldon Museum of Art to help the museum with their mission of art education and appreciation for everyone of all walks of life and financial abilities.
Special Olympics
Our donation is going toward basketballs for Special Olympics athletes.
Teaching Supplies
Nothing is more rewarding than making a difference in the lives of young people. I am “paying it forward” to help a young teacher supply her elementary classroom in her first full-time position as a teacher.
The Bill and Berniece Grewcock Animal Hospital
The Omaha Zoo is a favorite attraction for all of us and for our families.
I am pleased to support the Henry Doorly Zoo campaign to build a new animal hospital in honor of my daughter who is a veterinarian.
The Women’s Foundation of Colorado
I donated to The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, an organization dedicated to creating pathways to gender, racial, and economic equity for Colorado women.
Tunnels to Towers Foundation
The Tunnels to Towers Foundation is breaking ground in a number of states, including Colorado, to build residential facilities and to provide comprehensive supportive services for homeless U.S. Armed Forces veterans that only fills a small gap in their much-needed post-service lives.
Work Options
I donated to Work Options, a job training program that helps people who have been in prison or lack employment skills to get good jobs in the culinary industry.