The good people at Phillips Nizer, a midtown law firm, have long had a Valentine’s Day tradition. Every year, they select one of the Children’s Aid clients featured in The New York Times Neediest Cases Campaign—almost always a family that is clearly in need of support—and collectively raise additional funds to help stabilize the family.

This year, they chose Joanna Acevedo and her daughter, Serenity, who was born legally blind. Joanna hasn’t been able to work because she must care for her daughter full time. The 1-year-old’s vision problems are an obstacle to getting day care, and Serenity also requires a number of medical treatments that Joanna administers herself.

Alan Shapiro leads the efforts at Phillips Nizer. This year, attorneys and support staff collected more than $3,000 for Joanna and Serenity, a tremendous show of generosity. 

Photo Credit: Ángel Franco/The New York Times