Public Employee Press

Holiday joy at DC 37

By JOSEPH LOPEZ

Bright smiles and festive spirits filled union headquarters at the annual Holiday Giving party Dec. 2. Over 200 families in need — identified by social workers from DC 37’s Municipal Employees Legal Services and Personal Services Unit — shared in the Yuletide cheer.

Kids of all ages were treated to tasty food, colorful balloon sculptures, and Polaroids with Santa Claus himself, who bore a striking resemblance to Local 1320 President Jim Tucciarelli. The children also flocked to Santa’s workshop, where elves from DC 37’s Retirees Association helped them choose among stuffed animals, board games, racing cars and Bratz dolls.

“My kids couldn’t decide which toys to take,” explained Local 420 member Janet Senior, excited that her sons Eric, 6, and Ethan Jr., 4, will celebrate Christmas for the first time this year. “This is their first Christmas party and first time seeing Santa,” she said.

Local 1455 President Mike DeMarco, Local 2021 President Leonard Allen, and Tucciarelli handled gift shopping for the event, with generous toy donations from locals 1070 and 957 and contributions from members, staff and locals 1549, 372 and 420, among others. Families also received gift cards for toys and supermarket vouchers.

The experience was especially important this year, with many feeling the pain of the current financial crisis. “In these hard economic times, it is great to know our union can provide this aid to members,” said Veronica Montgomery-Costa, president of DC 37 and Local 372.

“The Holiday Giving tradition is one way the DC 37 family cares for its own,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

“It is good to know we have people to back us up,” said Nereida Pastrana, a Local 372 member who was surprised to meet her friend and neighbor Aracelis Figueroa at the party and learn that she too is a DC 37 member. “We get to see that we are not the only ones going through this,” Pastrana added.