Labor Community Supports Those in Need

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)From a union member burned out of his house to Daycon strikers still out of work, the metro DC labor community dug deep to support families in need this past holiday season. The Community Services Agency collected a total of $3,100 in cash donations, 12 families were adopted and provided with everything for the holidays including over $3000 in gift cards and cash, and 20 individuals were assisted with food gift cards and non-perishable foodstuffs. Those helped included a homeless Vietnam veteran working a few hours a week at Safeway, and area working families “just having a hard time making ends meet,” says CSA Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy. “Our deepest thanks to those who stepped up, making cash donations, providing gift cards, collecting food, and adopting families,” says McKirchy. Those contributing include: Ironworkers Local 5, DC Nurses’ Association, Northern Virginia Area Labor Federation, Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild, OPEIU Local 2, DC CBTU, CWA 2108, Change To Win, National Electrical Benefits Fund/OPEIU Local 2, AFGE 2782, National Labor College, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, AFGE National Office, AFL-CIO and their HR, Organizing, Safety and Health, General Counsel’s, and Political departments and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and Alliance for Retired Americans. “Solidarity and generosity are alive in the labor movement thanks to all of you!” added McKirchy. CSA supports needy union families throughout the year. To make a donation at any time, contact McKirchy at kmckirch@dclabor.org. - photo:  Bricklayers Susan Flaherty and Wayne Ford delivering food donations to CSA's Kathleen McKirchy and Council President Jos Williams last December; photo by Chris Garlock