Skip to main content
NewsRaymond E. Zschiesche

Director provides toys, lifts spirits of children at Juvenile Justice Center

By January 3rd, 2024No Comments
image_printPRINT
Ray E. Zschiesche’s practice is focused on complex state and federal litigation with extensive experience defending insurance companies, class actions mass tort and lender liability.

Ray E. Zschiesche’s practice is focused on complex state and federal litigation with extensive experience defending insurance companies, class actions mass tort and lender liability.

The season of giving is year-round for Phillips Murrah Director, Ray Zschiesche. He has made a habit of continuing his community service efforts, most recently, by helping children at the Oklahoma County Juvenile Justice Center.

“Ray has given generously and repeatedly to the children here at the Oklahoma County Juvenile Justice Center,” Lisa Davis, Oklahoma County District Judge, said. “I know firsthand of his generosity since I’ve been here.”

In February 2014, the center started looking for professional organizations, attorneys, friends, and others to donate toys for the deprived children who entered the five courtrooms there.

“Ray was one of the first to donate—like 150 Hot Wheels, 100 rubber light-up balls, 150 coloring books with 150 24-count boxes of crayons,” she said. “He always (and still does) brought in a large numbers of toys at a time. Through the past couple years he has been a steady source of donations.

“At Christmastime he brings in hundreds of stuffed animals from the Disney store and Mathis Brothers.  He makes toy donations several times throughout the year, always in large amounts.”

The Juvenile Justice Center provides toys for every child who comes to court through the deprived system. There are currently 1,900 Oklahoma County children ranging from 1 day old to 18 years old who are in DHS custody and involved in the court deprived system, Davis said.

“Ray told us at any time we needed more toys for the children to contact him, but he usually beats us to the call, asking if it was time for him to deliver some more toys and what type of toys would we like,” she said. “He might just show up with a bunch of toys. Always so humble and, oh, so giving.

“He continues to lift the spirits of the children, and he, without a doubt, most definitely lifts ours!  He is the Juvenile Justice Center’s children’s silent hero.”

Ray’s donations to the Juvenile Justice Center are just part of his community service efforts. He also works heavily with the Oklahoma County Bar Association and Oklahoma Lawyers for Children on community projects.

“I’ve had a chance to work with Ray on several projects through our service on the OCBA Community Service Committee,” Attorney Monica Ybarra said. “I’ve witnessed his compassion for children and the elderly. He makes it a point to always be present and give of his time and energy, as well as his finances.

“He has a genuine desire to reach out to others and be helpful in meaningful ways…and he’s a great dancer too!”

The Juvenile Justice Center collects toys and stuffed animals for younger children and collects headphones, journals, and Thunder gear for older children.

Those interested in donating toys to the Juvenile Justice Center may contact Rachel Dorsett at 405-468-4219 or via email at rachel.dorsett@okdhs.org to organize a drop-off. Monetary donations can be made out to Citizens for Juvenile Justice.

Other PM stories featuring Ray:

 

image_printPRINT