Union Members Give Back and Give Thanks this Holiday Season

[Omaha Steve]

Several links in story here: http://www.seiu2001.org/blog/Default.aspx?p=union_members_give_back_and_give_thanks_this_holiday_season

Union Members Give Back and Give Thanks this Holiday Season

Continuing a proud 19-year tradition, yesterday Union members distributed over 200 complete holiday meal packages to help local food pantries that work year-round to fight hunger in communities across Connecticut. The event was the culmination of a month-long drive organized by our P-4 Council's "Good Works" Committee to help bring joy and a turkey dinner to military families and those in need during the Thanksgiving holiday.


When we announced yesterday's event, we noted that Lieutenant Governor-elect Nancy Wyman and state legislators would be joining us to help assemble and distribute meals. Several additional elected officials attended, including US Senator-elect Dick Blumenthal, Hartford City Council President rJo Winch, and five members of the Connecticut General Assembly.

Photos of members and elected officials preparing and loading turkey dinner packages are posted at our online photo gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/csea_seiu/sets/72157625455802380/

Because of the economic crisis, our "Rosario 'Tony' Ferraro Memorial Thanksgiving Drive" makes an even greater difference for those in need. Many of the faith, labor, and community advocates whose work we support -- particularly food pantries -- have struggled since the Great Recession of 2008.

And despite signs of recovery, 2010 has been another rough year not just for the most vulnerable, but for working and middle class families, too. More than 26 million Americans remain un- or under-employed and every minute two more families lose their homes to foreclosure. Even unemployment insurance is under attack.

Even so, a few SEIU members from across the country were asked to take time this week to reflect on what they are thankful for this time of year. One of the stories featured today at the union's blog is from Council 760 member Liz Kavanah, the president of our chapter representing the City of Hartford's professional and technical workers.

In her post, Liz reflects on the risks to the vital services residents and businesses in Connecticut's capitol city rely on nearly two years after the economic downturn. But she also expresses hope and thanks for her family and fellow Union members in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday season.

Looking ahead, our Union's "Good Works" Committee is planning a toy drive in December for the families of CSEA members hit hardest by the continuing fallout from the recession. Pledging your individual, Chapter, or Council's financial support will allow us to help make the holidays a little brighter for our brothers and sisters who have lost their jobs in 2010.

Contact Committee Chair Mark Lucey at [phone] for more information or to make your pledge of support for this important "good works" effort.


Posted by: Matt OConnor on 11/24/2010 at 4:55:00 PM

Permission to post in it's entirety from Matt OConnor