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Public Employee Press
The joy of Giving
By DIANE S. WILLIAMS It was beginning
to look a lot like Christmas as DC 37 became Candy Cane Lane Dec. 5 to sweeten
the holiday season for more than 200 families at the annual Holiday Giving party.
DC 37 locals, its Housing Committee, and Health and Securitys Municipal
Employees Legal Services and Personal Services Unit identified families in need
and invited them to share gift bags, toys and candy, as well as supermarket food
vouchers and toy store gift cards for parents to use to ease the cost of the holidays.
This is one way your union shows it will always be here for you,
said Executive Director Lillian Roberts. We want your children to know DC
37 cares. She had high praise for the dedicated hard work for
the party done by local leaders Jim Tucciarelli, Michael DeMarco, Lenny Allen
and Cliff Koppelman, DC 37 Secretary. My son woke up at five this morning,
he was so excited about today, said Belkis de la Cruz, a Local 372 Crossing
Guard. The skateboard and vouchers they received are part of a wonderful
program, she said. After
snapping photos with DC 37s Santa Claus, who looks a lot like Local 1320
President Jim Tucciarelli, the families enjoyed refreshment and carols. A balloon
maker sculpted candy-colored creations for children, who also scooped up games,
dolls and tea sets. The DC 37 holiday giving program has expanded
its budget under Ms. Roberts leadership, said DC 37 Treasurer Maf Misbah
Uddin. We may save a family from eviction, said MELS Social Work Supervisor
Danny Barr, but here we get to see the little ones who live in the apartment.
This is just too fantastic for words, said Yolanda Orbegoso of
Local 1251, who attended with her daughter and three grandchildren, Isaiah, Deasia
and four-month-old Jesiah. Now our holiday will be more memorable.
Local 1549 member Debra Lewis and daughter Chami, 7, said, I really
appreciate this. Its the beauty of being in this union. DSW
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