13th Annual Rhode Island Labor Union Kettle Day December 4th

 

For more than a decade, hundreds of union members statewide have joined in the effort to help bring the spirit of Christmas to families in need by raising thousands of dollars for the Salva-tion Army during their Annual Christmas Kettle Drive. In past years, union leaders and members have collected record amounts of donations by volunteering at numerous stores throughout the state. Last year union members set a record, collecting an astounding $14,500 in a single day.

“Union members have a long and proud tradition of public service,” said Dave Deumuth, a Teamsters’ Local 251 member and organizer of the Union Kettle Program from its start in 1998. “We are pleased to serve the communities in which we live and work and are honored to assist the Salvation Army in this most compassionate campaign.”

“During these hard economic times, union members understand the importance of reaching out and helping neighbors in need,” explained Rhode Island AFL-CIO President George H. Nee. “Not only do union members build our roads, schools and bridges, fight fires, deliver packages and nurse the sick - they are there to support those in our communities who are facing hardships. Vol-unteering their time and energy, year after year, is just another way union members give back to their communities.”

“It is heartwarming to see so many union volunteers coming to the aid of the Salvation Army,” emphasized organizer and AFl-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, Maureen Martin. “We are very proud of our union members and the Rhode Islanders who donate their hard-earned cash to help the less fortunate. It is a tradition we plan to carry out well into the future with the hope of setting new records.”