Local 3 members who participated in the Walk for Autism in White Plains.
2015 started with a revitalization of the Community Service Committee headed by its new Chairman Terry Grady, Secretary Walter Beck and Sub-Chairmen Kevin Broderick, Dominic Pasqua, Glen Quaedvlieg, Albert Ruotolo, Dave Schmidt, Billy Vanadia and Danny Vanadia. Along with an increase in support from our members, including å_apprentice participation, the Committee å_successfully took on multiple projects to benefit our community.
The year began with a successful Blood Drive with 65 pints of blood donated on April 15th. On June 5th and 7th, the committee and its members volunteered at the Autism Walk in White Plains, NY to benefit families and individuals who are affected by autism, while raising awareness about the condition. The committee and members volunteered for another walk to benefit Alzheimer’s disease in October.
In November, the committee participated in a coat and food drive for the Aisling Irish Community Center. The committee and members, along with the Westchester Mechanics Association and the Bronx Acorn Club, prepared over 300 Thanksgiving meals for those in need. Local 3 received a letter from the Aisling Irish Community Center in thanks for all of our dedication and generosity. The committee also continues to participate in a food and coat drive on an ongoing basis. Please contact the union hall in White Plains to donate.
Most notably, the Community Service Committee organized a holiday Toy Drive that benefitted children at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, NY, the Easter Seals School in Valhalla, NY and the Westchester Special Needs School in Yonkers, NY. Members of the committee dressed up as Santa Claus and his helpers to deliver and distribute gifts. The faces of the children lit up with joy upon receiving these gifts. The experience was uplifting for both the children and volunteers. The acting director of Project Explore wrote a letter to thank Local 3 for helping to make “hundreds of students and families extremely happy with your kindness and thoughtfulness.” Thank you to all who donated: the toy drive would not have been possible without your participation and selfless generosity.
The Community Service Committee looks forward to building upon the success of 2015, while continuing to be a positive presence in the communities where we work.
