Labor Community Supports Those in Need
Friday, January 20, 2012
(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@dclaborarchives.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