VLJ's ReLeSe Sponsors Spring Cleaning Clothing and Toiletry Drive to Benefit Goodwill

June 27, 2011 - PRLog -- In support of the Goodwill Rescue Mission's goal of providing "Hope Totes" filled with everyday necessities to those in need, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice's Newark Reentry Legal Services (ReLeSe) recently sponsored a Spring Cleaning Clothing and Toiletry Drive. Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in Florham Park, N.J. participated in the Drive, donating hundreds upon hundreds of items - from shoes and socks to toothpaste and toothbrushes - for the "Hope Totes." To recognize this law firm's efforts, ReLeSe has named Paul Nittoly, Esq., who organized the collection at Drinker Biddle, and the entire Florham Park office as its "June 2011 ReLeSe Attorneys of the Month." A partner at Drinker Biddle, Nittoly is also a member of VLJ's board of trustees.

Pictured from left to right are Karen Kielczewski, Esq., staff attorney for ReLeSe and Kaleia Edmundo, Esq., staff attorney for VLJ, along with representatives of Goodwill Rescue Mission. Established in 2001, Newark, N.J.-based VLJ offers comprehensive legal services to economically-disadvantaged adults, children, and families in New Jersey. VLJ's ReLeSe program assists ex-offenders with civil legal issues serving as barriers to successful community reintegration. Through direct in-house representation and referrals to volunteer attorneys, ReLeSe aids its clients with driver's license restoration, resolution of long outstanding municipal matters, modification of child support orders, and the expungement of criminal records. The Goodwill Rescue Mission in Newark, N.J., is an official referral partner of ReLeSe.

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About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ): Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) provides comprehensive legal services to economically-disadvantaged adults, children, and families in New Jersey to ensure fair and equal treatment within the legal system. Programs include free legal counsel and advice, educational seminars on various legal matters, and direct representation for at-risk individuals facing critical civil legal issues. Established in 2001, VLJ has grown from a grass roots effort of 30 volunteer attorneys in Essex County to a state-wide 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with six staff attorneys and more than 1,500 volunteer attorneys providing free legal services to thousands of clients each year.