Public Employee Press

Members answered the union’s calls for aid in 2005

Last year saw natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina devastate the Gulf Coast region and the earthquake that shook Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. They claimed thousands of innocent lives and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

The call for help went out from DC 37, its parent union, AFSCME, and the DC 37 Asian Heritage Committee. DC 37 members answered generously, donating about $69,000 to help hurricane victims in Louisiana and earthquake victims in Asia. Members and locals contributed $55,866 to the AFSCME Fallen Heroes Fund for Katrina victims and $13,120 for the Asian Earthquake Relief Tragedy Fund. They also gave a total of $10,300 to the DC 37 Holiday Giving Fund, which provides toys and holiday food for less fortunate union members.

In addition, with DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts as labor chair for 2005, contributions to the United Negro College Fund topped $100,000 (page 8).

In addition, members of some locals collected food, clothing and relief supplies for Katrina victims. Municipal Hospital Employees Local 420 delivered a truckload to union members in Baton Rouge, La. (see January PEP) and MTA Clerical Employees Local 1655 brought theirs to hotels in Queens where hundreds of homeless Katrina victims are staying.

“I’m very proud of the generosity of our members,” said Roberts. “Whether it’s here in New York, on the Gulf Coast or in Pakistan, our members showed that in the face of great tragedy and need they will always respond with their hearts and their wallets.”