This year we gathered over 8,000 pounds of food totaling over $23,000. While much of the actual food was donated, many monetary donations were also collected with which food was purchased. These generous donations were made by members, officers, and JATC students in collection bins placed in the Union Halls, at union meetings and holiday parties, and in the training center. A special thank you to several contractors who also supported our efforts—Hatzel & Buehler who donated $2,000, Kelly Electric who donated $2,000 and C3M who collected canned goods and coats at their employee holiday party.
The donated food was hand delivered to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, DC; Manna Food Center in Montgomery Co., MD; Bowie Interfaith Pantry in Prince George’s Co., MD; Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry in Calvert Co., MD; Southern MD Food Bank in Charles Co., MD; and Mount Zion Church in St. Mary’s Co., MD. It was an all-hands-on-deck effort in which all of the officers and agents of Local 26 and all of the JATC staff helped organize, purchase, and load and deliver the donated food.
In addition to the collected food, over 200 coats were donated to S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat) in Washington, DC and Bright Futures in Winchester, VA. Some winter boots, hats, and gloves were donated as well. President Tom Myers, Recording Secretary Rich Murphy, Financial Secretary Chris Cash, Business Representatives Chris Brooks and Gary Hall, Brother Dave Hogan and Sister Cary James all rolled up their sleeves to get these winter items to those who needed them the most.
Brother Rich Murphy says that he was “overwhelmed by the donations and support from our membership and contractors to give to those less fortunate.” There is no doubt that the recipients of our generosity were also overwhelmed by the holiday spirit of Local 26 and the IBEW!