Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 donated $965 to Labor’s Community Service Agency (LCSA). The money was raised in a 50/50 drawing the union held at its annual picnic at Blue Lake Park last month.
The raffle is coordinated by Joe Ruffin, a 29-year member of the union. Ruffin is a light rail maintenance technician at TriMet’s Ruby Junction in Gresham. He also serves on Local 757’s Executive Board.
Since taking charge of the raffle more than six years ago, Ruffin has always chosen LCSA as the recipient of the cash.
“Labor’s Community Service Agency is very deserving. They do so much for our members when they need help,” he said.
Ruffin told the Labor Press that he often hears from members who directly benefited from LCSA as he’s selling tickets at the picnic.
“They got some help when they needed it, and now they want to give a little back,” he said.
LCSA is a partnership program of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and organized labor. Its programs support working families through a mix of health and human services, community events, advocacy, education, referrals, and other collaborative efforts.
Ruffin presented the cash to LCSA Executive Director Eryn Byram (see photo above) Aug. 27 at LCSA’s office in Southeast Portland. Byram said the money will go to the agency’s Helping Hands temporary hardship assistance program.
