Public Employee Press

A caring union

By JOSEPH LOPEZ

The magic of the jolliest season of the year was in full force at union headquarters Dec. 5 at DC 37’s annual Holiday Giving event.

Over 200 union families hit hardest by these rough economic times - identified by social workers from the union's Municipal Employees Legal Service and Personal Services Unit - were treated to a festive night of delicious foods, colorful balloon sculptures, and a visit from Santa.

Children snapped photos with St. Nick, who sure did look a lot like Local 1320 President Jim Tucciarelli, and they made their way to the toy room, where helpers from DC 37's Retirees Association, along with Local 1549 Next Wavers Tracye Hawthorne, Tracy Whitehead, and Prince McEachern, assisted the kids in choosing a gifts from the sea of basketballs, race cars, board games and dolls.

"I don't know if I can afford any gifts for my daughter this year, so this is awesome," said Local 1549 member Shaquana Burch.

"There's so much warmth and holiday spirit in the air," said Cynthia Jones, mother of Local 2507 Paramedic Rebecca Weisman.

"The appreciation on the faces of the kids - that's what it's all about," said Tucciarelli. "Giving back to those who need - it is a basic principle we should always practice as a union," he said. Tucciarelli thanked all of the locals who donated and staff volunteers who helped make the event possible.

"My heart is filled with joy every year when the DC 37 family unites to help our brothers and sisters most in need during the holidays," said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

Santa's sleigh was filled with generous toy donations from Locals 1320, 1455, 1070, and 957, and financial contributions from Locals 1113, 1359, 1655, 768, 1597, 1930, 957, 1482, 2627, 1507, 372 and 1219.