Niagara Law Center to spread holiday cheer with toy drive

The objective is simple: To accrue a mountain of toys.

"I want to see a giant, multicolored mound of toys standing in the middle of the Castellani Art Museum," said Niagara University Assistant General Counsel Ryan Thompson, who also directs the NU CLE program. "When the United Way comes by the next morning, I want them to have to call for a second van. That is the ultimate goal."

The Niagara Law Center, which is a collaboration between NU CLE and the Bar Association of Niagara County, concludes the fall continuing legal education season Dec. 10 with a holiday party, toy drive and aptly named CLE, "The Law of Gifts: Legal, Life and Tax Consequences."

Rather than collect registration fees, the Niagara Law Center requires attendees to bring $50 worth of new, unwrapped toys, which will then be distributed by the United Way of Greater Niagara to needy children across the county.

Guests are welcome to attend just the CLE seminar, or just the holiday party, which includes the formal installation of BANC's new officers and directors, or they can attend both.

"The price is all the same: Toys for kids," Thompson said. "Even if you can't make it on Dec. 10, we would really encourage people to consider donating toys anyway, bringing a big smile to some child's face this holiday season. Fortunately, Paramount Settlement Planning LLC in Buffalo has already volunteered to play a vital role in the success of this toy drive and party."

The CLE, worth 2.0 credits, begins at 4:30 p.m., and the holiday party runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. inside the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University. There will be free appetizers and eggnog, and a cash bar. The CLE speakers will be Niagara County Surrogate's Court Deputy Clerk Angela Stamm-Philipps, lawyer and former Assistant Attorney General Bill Maldovan, and HoganWillig attorney Linda S. Grear.

For more information on the holiday party, toy drive or CLE, contact Thompson at [email protected] or 716-286-8324, or visit www.niagara.edu/cle.