Local 249 Turkey Drive a great success

By Cecelia Davis

Local 249 has a lot of things to be thankful for this year. We hosted multiple events to help not only our membership but for our local community. One of our main events that we do every year to give back is the annual Turkey Drive.

The Turkey Drive was held on November 18 at our local union hall. It was organized by the Community Service Committee. Solidarity came alive when our members formed their own assembly line when it came to loading our UAW bags full of Thanksgiving food items from veggies, sweet desserts, dressing with delicious gravy, and of course a large family-sized turkey.

Community members formed a line outside the union hall parking lot and waited in their vehicles as Local 249 volunteers loaded their cars up with the holiday goodies. Not only were there items to eat, but we also provided coloring and activity booklets for the children. In just a 3-hour span, Local 249 donated 785 turkeys and 300 complete dinners.

“Giving back to our community has been the most rewarding experience for myself in our local union,” said Nicky Dang, who is a member of the Member to Member committee. “You see people’s smiles and a little sense of relief that they will be able to share a meal with their loved ones this holiday season. It brings me so much gratitude and makes me feel extra thankful.”

That is what’s special about these types of events that our union provides. Not only does it help our community and give people hope, but it leaves an everlasting feeling of love and compassion within each one of our members who volunteered for that event.

“It was amazing to see so many of our local membership joining together for such a great cause,” said Amy Minich, who is a Region 4 member organizer. “This is the first Thanksgiving my family will spend without my grandmother who passed away just a few short months ago. She taught me so many amazing things throughout my life. I would not be who I am without her. I am compelled to honor her memory by leaving this world a better place and a little brighter than when I arrived.”

“Walter Reuther said it best,” said Minich “there is no greater calling than to serve your fellow man. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well. There is no power in the world that can stop the forward march of free men and women when they are joined in the solidarity of human brotherhood.”

“I know my granny is smiling upon us knowing we are making an impact in the lives of others,” Minich added.

Although Thanksgiving may look different for everyone, this day always reminds Local 249 of how blessed we are as a union to be able to spread the warmth of grace and gratitude every year. Happy Holidays Local 249.