By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

As 2000 came to a close, Quality of Work Life committees hosted events that touched the lives of DC 37 members and the communities they live in. A health fair, an art show and a toy drive were just a few of the many exciting events that filled the last quarter of QWL’s calendar.

“We’ve been very busy and very successful in the activities we held in 2000,” said QWL Director Linda Feldman.

From toys for tots to training for team leaders, labor-management QWL committees offered something for everyone in the more than 25 events they coordinated with city agencies last year.

Four hundred DC 37 members checked in for check-ups on Sept. 27 at the Health Fair sponsored by the Dept. of Health’s QWL Committee. Health care providers gave DOH workers advice on nutrition, exercise and preventive medicine at the daylong event.

A display of drawings by the children of Finance Dept. staffers transformed the DC 37 lobby into an art gallery on Oct. 27.

DC 37 Deputy Administrator Zachary Ramsey and Commissioner of Finance Andrew S. Eristoff were on hand to help the QWL team award certificates and ribbons to the children whose artwork was showcased.

And in December, the spirit of giving abounded as the New York City Housing Authority QWL Committee held its first annual toy drive. Employees collected more than 200 new toys for homeless children.

“We wanted to do something a little different this Christmas,” said Walthene Primus, president of NYCHA Clerical Employees Local 957. Vice President Debra Jennings coordinated the toy drive with help from four QWL subcommittees.

When they decided to donate the gifts to the children at the Catherine Homeless Shelter in Red Hook, Brooklyn, the committee members did not know that the shelter had scheduled a Christmas party — but had no presents for the children. When the committee told shelter officials about the toys they collected, Ms. Primus said, “They were speechless. It was something so simple, but it made the holiday special.”

And in 2001, QWL promises to do even more for union members. AFSCME consultants were set to lead sessions in the first training seminar for committee members in 10 years. Ms. Feldman was expecting 600 QWL members to attend the six sessions at union headquarters.

QWL was also scheduled to host a training session for committee co-chairs on Jan. 30 as a follow-up to the leadership seminar that was held last March. “We look forward in 2001 to further improving the Quality of Work Life program,” she added.