Remembering 9/11: An Outpouring of Support

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Literally hundreds of contributions large and small poured into the Metro Council’s Community Services Agency after the 9/11 attacks as the CSA and affected unions struggled to cope with the massive effects on local workers – who lost their livelihoods in an instant -- and their families. Here’s a small sample of some of the inspiring outpouring of support:

“It is every workers’ right to expect to be safe at work. On (9/11), far too many workers did not have that expectation realized. Please convey our sympathy to your members. Our thoughts are filled with your loss.”
- Toronto and York Region Labour Council
    
”I cannot give blood but at least I can send a small contribution for the victims of the Pentagon disaster.”
- Cheryl Mitchell, Hyattsville, MD

”We are proud of the role our union brothers and sisters played in responding to the terrorist attacks, and we hope that our contribution will in some small way help ease the pain of those who suffered personal tragedies on September 11.”
- Wisconsin Council 40, AFSCME
     
”Our antique doll club voted…to make a donation to the hotel and restaurant employees who have been impacted by the September 11th disaster.”
- The Dollology Club of Washington, DC
      
“It is our duty and privilege to contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund. We shall overcome.”
- Asbestos Workers Local 16, Alameda, CA
      
”I am doing something more constructive with my tax refund than acquiring some new something that will largely go unused and is most likely both unnecessary and unneeded…I would appreciate it if my contribution could go toward helping those who have lost their jobs at National Airport.”
- Bill Keene, Arlington, VA

NOTE: Our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to the 9/11 relief effort, and to those who contribute each year to our Emergency Assistance Fund, which raises and spends approximately $120,000 annually and assists about 350 families with emergency financial needs- prevention of utility cut-offs and evictions, needed prescriptions, transportation so members can keep working, food, child care and other needs. Email kmckirch@dclabor.org for details on how to contribute.
- Kathleen McKirchy, CSA Executive Director