As you may recall, this year we began a new community service initiative in our chapter to highlight the impact that our chapter has in its communities that span across the US (and possibly grow even further!). As we close out the third quarter of 2025, the Cyber Chapter is celebrating the end of our summer engagement, which has had a meaningful impact on kids and youth in our own communities.
Many of our members’ activities focused on back-to-school efforts, such as packing backpacks or organizing school supply drives for children in need. These efforts may seem simple, but they help set kids up to feel prepared, confident, and excited for their next school year. It eases the financial burden for the families and is one way to remove a barrier to success for students’ education.
Stacey Ransleben, CLM, President of the ALA Cyber Chapter, generously donated backpacks, notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, and glue to support 24 children through her building’s school supply drive for underprivileged youth.
Another member, Kayleigh Evans, volunteered at her local baseball organization to help clean up the fields and get them ready for the fall season for the children in the league. We mowed, raked, or picked up trash and debris that had been left on the fields. This annual community event brought families together and was a meaningful reminder of teamwork and care for our spaces.
Hear from Jodi on her experience from volunteering for The Gifting Grace Project’s 3rd annual “Pack the Backpack” event.
Now for some metrics. Since launching the initiative five months ago, our chapter has contributed over 150 hours of service, extending over seven states, and positively impacting more than eight organizations. In just this past quarter alone, our team dedicated 35 hours specifically to supporting youth & children.
During this quarter, we have learned that this impact is not just about service, although that is our primary mission. It has also brought about connections. Our members shared their stories, posted pictures, and tracked their service hours. They have included members of their firms/organizations or their families in their efforts to help in this impact. We have pulled together to support this shared effort and to help make a difference in our communities. Although our chapter may span across many different states, each of our communities faces similar challenges, which we can each align on a similar focus.
In the final quarter of 2025, our focus shifts to hunger. According to Feeding America, 47 million people face food insecurity in our country, hitting 100% of counties. This issue touches on each of our communities. Limited access to healthy, nutritious food can result in significant health and social consequences. There are countless ways to make an impact as we transition into the next quarter – participating in food drives, volunteering at kitchens or shelters, delivering meals, or providing education on food access or nutrition.
As we enter the holiday season, we’re reminded of the values of generosity and gratitude. It’s a time for gathering, sharing, and reflecting—making it a meaningful opportunity to give back. Volunteering and supporting those in our communities who may be facing challenges can turn this season into one of true connection and compassion.
I want to thank every member who gave their time, energy, and heart this quarter. Your contributions are shaping the collective effort of this impact. Let’s keep the momentum going.
Kindly submit your volunteer hours at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/22BMQPJ , or email your story and photos to kevans@mslawgroup.com . Please feel free to submit them even if they do not align with our current quarterly focus.
Authored by Kayleigh Evans
COO, Mac Murray & Shuster LLP
