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PEP Jan 2006
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Public Employee Press

Locals and staff make holiday giving a hit

The joy of giving embraced the spirit of Christmas, the kevanah (intent to fulfill the good deed) of Hanukkah, and the warmth of Kwanza at the annual DC 37 Holiday Giving party Dec. 7.

“We are happy to share our Christmas. You are part of our family and we want you to know your DC 37 family is always here for you,” said Executive Director Lillian Roberts, greeting families and posing with the union’s Santa, who looks a lot like Local 1320 President Jim Tucciarelli.

A busy workshop of union elves from the Retirees Association helped distribute hugs, toys and gifts to the union’s neediest families. The DC 37 Housing Committee, Municipal Employees Legal Service and Personal Services Unit sponsor the event with contributions from members, staff and local presidents
|like Melvin Bentley, Veronica Montgomery-Costa, Michael DeMarco, Cliff Koppelman, Walthene Primus, Darryl Ramsey and Tucciarelli, and the many DC 37 members who mailed in checks and brought gifts, said Program Director Frances Curtis.

“I feel blessed to have a union that stands by me in my time of need,” said Irving Stewart, a Local 1549 member who was glad his 5-year-old daughter Ashleigh experienced the union’s holiday kindness firsthand. Stewart said he fell on hard times when the city cut his health benefits while he was on medical leave. MELS is working to restore his full coverage.

“With all the focus on Katrina victims we cannot forget our own members who are having a difficult time,” said MELS Supervising Social Worker Danny Barr.

“I have three children and I know how wonderful it is to see their faces light up on Christmas morning,” said DeMarco, whose members contribute each year to the holiday giving cause.

Local 372 member Sheila Yohou brought her grandchildren. “This gives them something to look forward to,” she said. “Times are hard. The food and toy vouchers from DC 37 mean my family can put something under the tree and Christmas dinner on the table this year.”

In addition to the vouchers, children got age-appropriate gifts, toys, candy and face time and photos with Santa.

“I am very grateful for everything this union has done for my five children and me — including this party,” said Local 420 member Sonia Simpson. “Through the union’s immigration program I was able to bring my children to this country and we all have benefited.”

“This party gives us a chance to give back to our members who are less fortunate,” said Housing Committee Chair Melvin Bentley.

—DSW

 

 

 
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