United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 655 and sister Local 88 held a grocery and toy drive for their members on Friday, Dec. 12.
Combined, UFCW 655 and 88 represent most union workers at Schnucks, Dierbergs Markets and Straub’s. Their joint efforts allowed for their workers from either union to come to their union hall and receive free groceries to cook a holiday meal and select toys for their families.
“When we say we are a family we mean it,” said UFCW Local 655 President Laura Kelley. “Families support each other and families love each other, and we want to make sure we are acting like a family.”
Kelley worked with Kyle Norris, president of UFCW Local 88, to make the event possible.
MAKES A DIFFERENCE
“Having that partnership with our sister local makes all the difference,” Kelley said. “Working together made this possible, and we’re so thrilled we were able to accomplish so much.”
At the union hall partners that were enrolled in 655’s Health & Welfare Fund were offered free biometric screenings — a blood test which provides results on dozens of markers and allows partners to get a comprehensive look at their health.
Toys were also provided for both locations through the annual UFCW Local 655 Holiday Toy Drive, which is in its eighth year. The toys are largely donated by retirees, partners and shop stewards.
Partners who came to the grocery and toy drive were offered free hams, potatoes, carrots, onions, and other staple foods and non-perishable items. Those with kids visited with Santa and selected toys.
‘HAVE THEIR BACKS’
“We know how hard our folks work during the holidays,” Kelley said. “Times are tough for a lot of people right now, but when you’re a union worker you have a whole family that has your back, so we’re going to have their backs.”
