Presents
from
Partners
P
ortland area labor unions came together to host a fabulous Christmas party for unemployed families in the commu-
nity. Nearly 300 boys and girls — from toddlers to teens — and their parents enjoyed the festivities. Labor’s Com-
munity Service Agency, the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, union locals, members, businesses and professionals
donated toys and cash for the event. Each child took home three gifts (bikes were one option, see Page 1), a game, a sports
ball, and a stuffed animal. They each got a Christmas stocking made by retirees of the American Federation of Teachers-
Oregon; several hard-bound books from the Oregon School Employees Association and the First Book program; a lunch
of mac & cheese and lasagna from Spin Catering, paid for by Liberty Coin & Currency; and cake made and decorated by
members of Bakers Local 114 at Kroger Clackamas Bakery and Gateway Fred Meyer. There was face painting and col-
oring, and, of course, some face time with Santa Claus (played by Dave Williams of IBEW Local 48). IBEW and United
Workers Federal Credit Union also sponsored a room for kids to pick out a gift for their parents. Volunteers from the credit
union helped wrap them. About 100 volunteers (pictured below left) helped in some fashion, either by decorating the union
hall the night before, loading and unloading toys, or assisting families the day of the event. Union Cab donated rides to sev-
eral families, and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette donated T-shirts for all the volunteers to wear.
Photos by
Michael
Gutwig
PAGE 16
NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS
DECEMBER 19, 2014