With the relationships UFCW members build with customers in our stores, we see first hand the difficult decisions many in our communities are forced to make every day in order to provide for their loved ones. That’s one reason we’re eager to help those in our communities in need — because no one should have to struggle alone, especially during the holiday season.
From hosting “giving trees” to organizing food drives, UFCW locals all across the country are kicking into high gear to help make the holidays a little brighter for the folks who could use a little extra support.
In the northeast, UFCW Local 1500 is doing a Toy Drive for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. Since 1992, the foundation has collected over 920,000 new toys and have donated them to sick and underprivileged children in hospitals and child-care facilities.
Local 152 does an annual Teddy Bear Drive to collect stuffed animals for Santa to give away at the holiday dinner dance for ARC of Burlington County, which provides a variety of disability services including adult day care and in home supportive services.
Earlier this month, RWDSU/UFCW Local 338 delivered 200 turkeys donated by Local 338 members to several food pantries and charitable organizations throughout New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County as part of the union’s annual “Turkey Drive.”
Local 338 members weren’t the only ones out making sure everyone could have a nice holiday feast. On the other side of the country, Local 1428 members in California held a turkey giveaway over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Are you a UFCW member with a story of how union members in your area are giving back? Drop us a line at submissions@www.ufcw.org or send us your story on our Facebook page and let us know how you are making a difference.