Nashville, Tenn., December 7, 2017 - Atlanta, Georgia, Dec. 07, 2017 - Continuing their annual support for less fortunate families whose children, adolescents, adult children and brothers and sisters who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, the law firm of Burr & Forman, LLP, along with its local members, Jim and Diane McCarten and Jeff and Lana Holt, have helped kick off the annual effort of ExceptionalOPS to make the Holidays Special for Special Children, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the Spirit of the Season!

"This generous gift from Burr Forman and Jim and Diane McCarten will enable us to reach out and help many more of our local families who are struggling financially during this holiday season" said Janet Smola, the Executive Director of Exceptional OPS, which is one of Fayette County's leading charitable and advocacy organizations for those with special needs. The Burr Forman/McCarten Family gift is also used to provide Santa's gifts at the ExOPS annual Christmas Party. Fayette County School counselors collaborate with ExOPS to identify families of kids with special needs who are struggling financially this holiday season. An Exceptional OPS -- Fayette County Schools partnership, use the remaining funds to provide those families with gift cards to help brighten and enjoy the Holiday Season. According to Burr Forman and the McCartens "everyone should be able to enjoy a happy and Merry Christmas!"

"The families who receive these cards are so appreciative and are overwhelmed that complete strangers care enough to make their Christmas season special," said Kathy Harlan, Fayette Schools Counselor for Exceptional Children's Services. "Families who have children with special needs often have to decide between taking their child to the doctor, getting medicine, or receiving the therapies they need before buying Christmas meals and gifts. The luxury to go to a store to buy new clothes, goods, or go out for a nice meal isn't always in their budget. More importantly, they may not even have the option to provide their special needs child and his/her siblings with such treats all during the year."

About Burr & Forman
Burr & Forman is a Southeast, regional law firm with one of its important offices located in Atlanta, GA. With particular strength in the financial institutions, health care and manufacturing sectors, Burr offers a wide range of business and litigation services to diverse clients with local, national and international legal needs. Throughout the firm's footprint, Burr participates in organizations that are meaningful to our clients and benefit the communities in which they reside. In Atlanta, Burr is a proud member and supporter of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.