Fifteen Years of Care, One Christmas at a Time

Photo Caption: Hamper delivery day in 2024. From left, Lawson Creamer paralegal Marilee Rust, St. John the Baptist/King Edward School’s Ben Gillcrist and Lawson Creamer legal assistant Kimberley Hughes.

Every December, some families in our community face the holidays with more uncertainty than celebration – parents working hard to make ends meet, and children who deserve to feel the joy and excitement of Christmas.

For the past 15 years, Lawson Creamer has helped ensure that some of those families are not facing the season alone. At the heart of that effort is corporate paralegal Marilee Rust.

Since 2010, Marilee has co-ordinated the firm’s Christmas hamper program, helping ensure food and holiday essentials reach families in Saint John.

Over the years, partners and staff at Lawson Creamer contribute in different ways – donating financially, covering specific needs, helping with shopping and packing, and pitching in wherever needed.

Even small efforts, like collecting bottle returns through the year, are folded into the total.

The initiative is part of the firm’s involvement in Partners Assisting Local Schools (PALS), which connects local businesses with schools in practical, community-based ways.

Through PALS, Lawson Creamer is partnered with St. John the Baptist-King Edward School. The hampers go to families identified by the school.

The details shared with the firm are intentionally limited – just enough to understand the household and respond thoughtfully.

Sometimes that means knowing the ages of the children. Other times, it means understanding that a grandparent is raising a grandchild, or that a single parent is trying to make ends meet.

In the early years, that understanding translated into full laundry baskets and oversized gift bags filled with food, fresh vegetables, toiletries, cleaning supplies and small treats.

“I always tried to bulk it up more than what was suggested and make it more family-focused,” Marilee says.

One year, a child asked for a pair of skates. A brand-new pair was included alongside the family’s hamper.

While the format has evolved over time – particularly during the pandemic, when grocery gift cards became the most practical option – the intention has not.

“It lets families get what they actually need,” Marilee says.

For her and for others at the firm, the most meaningful moment comes every year when the hampers are delivered.

“It’s my favourite day of the year,” she says. “The families are so grateful. It just makes you feel good to help.”

Fifteen years on, that feeling remains the same – a reminder that care, consistency and quiet compassion can make a real difference for children and families when they need it most.

I’m grateful to Marilee for the care she brings to this effort, and to everyone at Lawson Creamer who helps make it possible each year. It speaks to the values they bring to their work and their community.

Robert M. Creamer is a partner with Lawson Creamer. He can be reached at rcreamer@lawsoncreamer.com.