Established in 1986 by Jeffrey M. Feldman and Paul S. Kleidman, Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP (FKC&S) is known for its compassionate team of attorneys and staff who have consistently dedicated their time and resources to support a diverse range of charitable causes that reflect the core values of their firm.
In 2016, FKC&S hosted “30 Acts of Kindness” and gave back to the local community in honor of its 30th anniversary. In addition to the firm’s standard annual giving – which includes donations and volunteerism for a range of nonprofits – each team member was given a chance to personally select other causes for the group to support during the campaign. In 2024, the firm launched “38 Acts of Kindness,” reinforcing its commitment to giving back to the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the organizations the FKC&S team has supported through its “38 Acts of Kindness” and we look forward to sharing more about these diverse and impactful organizations. As you consider where to volunteer, donate or shop this holiday season, we hope that you’ll keep these worthy causes in mind.
December 20th Spotlights
Putnam Community Action Partnership (CAP): Putnam Community Action Partnership (CAP), a component of Westchester Community Opportunity Program (WestCOP), has proudly been serving the community for more than 35 years. The organization’s mission is to mobilize and efficiently manage resources, through partnerships and collaborations, to help low-income and at-risk populations achieve greater self-sufficiency. Services Include a food pantry, soup kitchen, intervention services, case management, summer youth employment, Thanksgiving baskets, holiday toy program, school supplies and winter coats programs and more. To learn more or donate, visit https://www.putnamcap.org/.
The director of Putnam CAP, Marisa O’Leary, shared about the impact of donations like FKC&S’s in a recent thank you letter to the firm:
“Your commitment to helping those in need is truly heartwarming, and we could not help our clients through this time without your generosity. The holidays are difficult for so many who already live on limited means. We thank you for sharing your holiday joy with someone in need. Please encourage anyone experiencing difficulty to reach out to us.”
Dutchess Outreach: Dutchess Outreach has operated emergency food access and relief programs in Dutchess County for more than 46 years. The organization works to widen community food security and food sovereignty, increase advocacy and provide emergency relief by offering a range of vital programs for those in need to ensure that equitable physical and economic access to safe, nutritious, culturally appropriate and sustainably grown food is available at all times across the community, regardless of income or zip code. To learn more or donate, visit https://dutchessoutreach.org/.
Renee (Fillette) Micchio, PhD, executive director of Dutchess Outreach, shared the following with FKC&S:
“Every day we continue to help individuals and families that face challenges associated with meeting their most basic needs. We are now seeing 1,800 household visits in our Pantry a month and serving an average of 600 meals a day in our Lunch Box. This year, we rescued over 120,000 pounds of food, and our Farm Stand alone distributed over 100,000 pounds of food. These unprecedented numbers reinforce the need to advocate for the people of our community more than ever. We are looking ahead to the future, expanding our reach, and working towards a hunger-free Dutchess. None of this important work could happen without you.”
Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County: Dutchess County Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. The organization is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. To learn more or donate, visit https://habitatdutchess.org/.
In a letter to FKC&S, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County Marueen Brennan Lashlee wrote:
“Amazed, inspired, grateful – that’s how your generosity makes us feel. Every person should have a safe space to call home, and because of your contribution, this will be a reality for more families in Dutchess County.”
Dutchess Chamber Adopt-A-Family: This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Adopt-A-Family program, which provides warm holiday support to families in need. The families are participants from one of the programs offered through the Chamber Foundation’s Workforce Development Center, which includes Youth One Stop, adult Next Step, Career Action Center, Youth Entrepreneur Program and the Next Gen Summer Tech Academy. They put together wish lists highlighting their wants and needs, which are shared with local businesses, club members, committees and individuals who sign up to generously fulfill their requests and spread holiday cheer. Wish lists include household goods, clothing, hygiene items and toys. In 2023 the campaign delivered more than $25,000 in gifts to over 30 families. To learn more about the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber Foundation, visit www.dcrcoc.org.
Sparrows Nest: Sparrow’s Nest is a 501(c)3 charity whose mission is to cook and deliver homemade meals to families facing a cancer diagnosis in Dutchess, Putnam and parts of Orange, Ulster and Northern Westchester counties. Founded in 2012, the charity feeds an average of 400 people each week and has fed more than 3,500 individuals since its inception. To learn more or donate, visit https://sparrowsnestcharity.org/.
Krista Jones, founder of Sparrow’s Nest, penned a note to the FKC&S team thanking them for their recent donation:
“Thank you for your generous gift to Sparrow’s Nest. Your act of kindness helps us feed even more people facing a cancer diagnosis. I would love for you and your colleagues to stop by and see our new building.”
Check back when we reveal the next five organizations here on January 10.
Previous Spotlights
Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County (CARE of DC): CARE of DC is a no-kill, nonprofit animal rescue organization located in Wappingers Falls, NY. Its mission is to provide temporary shelter, medical care and find loving homes for stray and abandoned animals. CARE of DC promotes the humane treatment and welfare of animals and advocates for responsible pet ownership. To learn more or donate, visit https://careofdc.org/.
Abilities First: Abilities First provides educational, residential and community-based programs for people with various developmental needs. Based in the Hudson Valley, the organization’s mission is to provide people who face developmental challenges and their families support to attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others through education, exploration and experience. To learn more or donate, visit https://www.abilitiesfirstny.org/.
Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation: This nonprofit supports individuals affected by breast cancer in the Hudson Valley region. It provides financial assistance, education, outreach and wellness programs for those undergoing treatment or recovering from breast cancer. To learn more or donate, visit https://milesofhope.org/.
Grace Smith House: Grace Smith House offers services to victims of domestic violence in the Hudson Valley. The organization provides safe shelter, counseling, advocacy and education programs to help survivors rebuild their lives and promote awareness about domestic violence. To learn more or donate, visit https://www.gracesmithhouse.org/.
Marianne Bosshart, director of development at Grace Smith House, penned the following in a note to the FKC&S team:
“Thank you for your donation. It is an honor to be part of your 38 Acts of Kindness for your anniversary. We appreciate all of you and your support of our work. Without the donations from our community, we could not survive. Thank you!”
Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (HVARS): HVARS is a 501c3 non-profit animal rescue, wildlife rehabilitation center and low-cost vet service clinic. Based in Poughkeepsie, NY, the sanctuary offers a safe haven for animals, including wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, possums, skunks, fawn, fox and woodchucks. Their mission began when they felt there was such a need for affordable vet care in their community. Today they are a multi-vet facility offering everything from wellness clinics to complex surgeries, dentals, x-rays, bloodwork and more. To learn more or donate, visit https://www.hvars.org/.
Social Responsibility
Although we are extremely proud of our reputation for providing top-notch legal advice – we are equally proud of our reputation for social responsibility and for giving back to the communities we serve. Learn more about the firm’s commitment to social responsibility here.
Jeff Feldman and the FKC&S team have received numerous accolades over the years, including the 2016 Headliner Award for Leadership in Business and Community from the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the 2019 Leadership in Corporate Philanthropy Award from the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2018, Feldman and his wife, Rona, were honored with The Quality of Life Award at the Family Services’ Family of the Year Awards. Additionally, Feldman serves on the Board of Directors for Family Services Inc. and is the Chairperson of the Hudson Valley Hospice Board of Directors.
FKC&S Partner Kathryn C. Collins was recently awarded The Chamber Foundation’s ATHENA Leadership Award, which is bestowed annually to distinguished professionals in the Hudson Valley community who best embody the ATHENA Leadership Model and make a difference for women by providing guidance, mentorship and encouragement. She serves on the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation Board of Trustees and is a devoted supporter of Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County (CARE of DC), which is where she adopted her dog, Pongo, in 2020. You can read more about Pongo’s adoption here.