Public Employee Press

The joy of Giving

• Union party brings holiday joy
  

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 Security’s 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 37’s 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. It’s the beauty of being in this union.”

—DSW