Bringing the magic and lending a helping hand this holiday season

A hallmark commitment at Raymond James is to “give back to the communities in which we live and work.” During the 2023 holiday season, associates and advisors took the “season of giving” to new heights by participating in and leading various volunteer efforts supporting the Pinellas County Foster and Adoptive Parents Association, the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, Wreaths Across America and more. 

Bringing holiday cheer to children and their caregivers. 

For 24 years, the Fixed Income department has supported the Pinellas County Foster and Adoptive Parents Association’s “Angels for Angels” program.  Colby Meyers, director of fixed income trading, led this year’s initiative which helps provide gifts to children in foster care or who were recently adopted by foster parents. This year, associates supported 64 children in the program by donating over 100 individual gifts and over $650 in gift cards.

Karen Chappel, a tech infrastructure manager, led the Hero to a Child holiday workshop which supports children in the Pinellas and Pasco County foster care and guardian ad litem program. All donations are provided to parents, caregivers, and guardians to select gifts for their children. Associates and advisors were invited to purchase gifts provided on “wish lists” created for age groups between 0 and 18 years old. Donations included books, doll sets, card games, arts and crafts, gift cards, and more.

The annual toy and food drive hosted by Raymond James Financial Services took place on November 21 in support of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. Tahira Frediani, an administrative coordinator for Raymond James Financial Services, helped lead this initiative and gather donations for the organization. Associates helped fill two large boxes of donations ranging from breakfast foods and canned goods to new and gently used toys. Many who were unable to drop off physical goods, such as remote associates and advisors, contributed to the cause through cash donations. 

Valor, the firm’s Veterans Inclusion Network, hosted volunteer events in honor of National Wreaths Across America Day in numerous locations on December 16. Volunteers were seen at the Resurrection Cemetery in Township, Michigan, the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, the Memphis National Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, and the Bay Pines VA in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Associates gathered with friends and family to help lay wreaths on the tombs of fallen soldiers to continue the mission of the Wreaths Across America organization, which is to “remember, honor, and teach.” 

Each year, more than two million volunteers participate in National Wreaths Across Day and at the over 4,000 participating  locations throughout the United States. Nearly 3 million wreaths were placed in more than 4,200 locations in 2023 thanks to the outstanding number of volunteers, some of which were Raymond James associates, advisors, affiliates and their families. 

Together, we make a difference to build, strengthen and grow our communities. To learn more about the firm’s corporate philanthropy,  click here. To see how associates give back all year long, follow Raymond James on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Click here to learn more about the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts.