HARRISBURG (December 14) - Paul Tufano, chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Government Lawyers Committee and general counsel to Gov. Tom Ridge, and more than 100 government lawyers from across the commonwealth will present canned goods and personal care items to the executive director of the Bethesda Mission on Tuesday, December 15 at 5:45 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Bar Association, 100 South Street, Harrisburg.

�The members of the Government Lawyers Committee are delighted to bring some holiday cheer to area people in need. Realizing that the holidays are a difficult time for many people, we felt that it was important for us to remember and help those less fortunate. We are anxious to make this donation drive a continuing effort,� Tufano said.

This holiday season marks the beginning of an annual effort by the PBA Government Lawyers to assist area charitable organizations in providing services to the less fortunate. The committee plans to rotate its annual donations through a variety of similar organizations in the future. The committee also participates in other philanthropic endeavors throughout the year.

�There is always an increased request for our services during the winter. We are thankful to the Government Lawyers Committee of the PBA for their donation. Because of their commitment of time and energy, we will have additional resources to help meet the needs of those coming to our doors seeking help,� noted Bryan Yesilonis, executive director of the Bethesda Mission.

�I commend the PBA Government Lawyers Committee for initiating this program and showing its spirit of generosity and caring to those who are less fortunate during the holiday season,� said PBA President Leslie Anne Miller.

The Pennsylvania Bar Association is a professional organization that represents the interests of 26,000 lawyers and promotes the legal profession across the commonwealth.

1998