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Last December, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 13-1 along with members from Shell and Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. united to collect toys for a “Fill the Truck Event.” The campaign was organized by the Shell Deer Park Worker’s Committee to help with the local Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

“Our members in District 13 are always ready to jump into action to assist at rallies or events.” said USW District 13 Director Mickey Breaux. “But it’s events like this at Local 13-1 that show our true community spirit.”  

The nationwide Toys for Tots Program was designed to collect new, unwrapped gifts and distribute them to less fortunate children during the holiday season to allow them to experience the joy of Christmas. 

Last year, the Women of Steel chapter at United Steelworkers Local 151G at Dal-Tile, Olean, N.Y., raised $1,570 for a local charity through a year-long effort.

The money went to the Mental Health Association of Cattaraugus County.

Lynn Zalepa, president of USW Local 151G, suggested the project, and WOS chairperson Kerri Simon carried it out, starting off with having members vote on the charity to benefit.

After raising the money through donations and a series of monthly events including bake sales, WOS presented the gift to the executive director of MHACC in December.

MHACC, a nonprofit, provides assistance to people with developmental disorders such as autism. MHACC programs include therapeutic, residential camps for children, transition groups and family support.  The local’s fundraising project will aid the organization, which lacks formal funding, in continuing these services, which it has provided for the past four years.

Dal-Tile managers Marty Reynolds, Tom Blair and Greg Edwards were instrumental in the program’s success, local union officials said.

United Steelworkers (USW) Local Union 1533 teamed up with Fairbanks Morse Engine company over the holidays to raise $3,300 for the Salvation Army. 

Individual workers donated and groups of workers raised money by participating in bell ringing throughout “Spirit Week.”

John W. Bottorff, Fairbanks Morse vice president of human resources, said the union’s support for the Salvation Army has been a tradition. “Employees were extremely generous and proud to help in so many ways,” Bottorff said.

Volunteers conducted bell ringing at several locations throughout the Beloit area including the Save-a-Lot grocery store and Woodman’s grocery.  The group’s efforts brought the community’s total collection to more than $70,000, exceeding last year’s contribution of $63,000.

USW Local 1533 President Kevin Bishop encouraged local unions, businesses and community groups to organize support for the Salvation Army’s new program for the 2012 holidays called “Adopt a Kettle.”