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January 6, 2017 | NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS
...Making Spirits Bright
From Page 1
from a “stocking stuffer” table as carolers sang
Christmas songs. Everyone was served a hot
lunch, followed by a visit with Santa Claus. Each
child received an age appropriate book from Mrs.
Claus, then talked to Mr. Elf before heading up-
stairs to the “Toy Room,” where hundreds of toys,
bikes, balls, and gift cards were waiting. But they
weren’t done yet! Parents and/or guardians were
led to a waiting room as chaperones took kids to
the “Parent Room.” There, each child was allowed
to select a gift for their mom and dad (or
guardian). Those gifts were beautifully wrapped
by more volunteers, for parents to unwrap on
Christmas morning. All the extra toys and bikes
were later donated to nearby charities for distri-
bution. Here is the final tally:
300 children, plus 150 more
200 parents
500 hot lunches served
1,500 toys
2 U-haul trucks
120 volunteers
3 dozen unions
13 community sponsors
Mr. Elf amused children of all ages.
Each child received a hand-sewn
Christmas stocking and their
choice of stocking stuffers.
120 volunteers from three dozen union locals and 13 community sponsors helped set up,
operate, and tear down the Presents From Partners Holiday Party held Dec. 17 at the Sheet Metal
Workers Local 16 Hall in Northeast Portland.
Families had their pick in the “Ball Room.”
Carolers entertained families with Christmas
songs.
Photos by Michael Gutwig
Hot lunch for 500 kids and adults was provided by
Spin Catering and served by union volunteers.
The IBEW and United Workers Federal Credit Union sponsored a “Parents Room,” where kids got to pick Union Cab provided rides for some families (above left), and Mrs. Claus handed
out a gift for their parents/guardians and have them wrapped to put under the Christmas tree at home. out age-appropriate books to all the kids.