Portland area labor unions came together Dec. 13 to host a Christmas party for unemployed families in the community.
Nearly 300 boys and girls from toddlers to teens, and their parents, enjoyed the festivities, held at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 16/SMACNA Training Center in Northeast Portland. Labor’s Community 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: a game, a sports ball, and a stuffed animal. Bikes were also an option. International Longshore and Warehouse Union Credit Union, ILWU Locals 8, 40 and 92, and the Inland Boatmen’s Union donated 80 bikes. 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 coloring, 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 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 several families, and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette donated T-shirts for all the volunteers to wear.
