United Way and Local Labor Unions Bring Holiday Cheer

United Way of Snohomish County, Snohomish County Labor Council and volunteers from local unions came together to support the annual Marine Toys for Tots campaign in Everett.

In total, 71 union volunteers donated over 300 hours to the drive and over $1,700 in toys for Snohomish County families. Volunteers sorted and counted toys, assisted families who visited the warehouse and unloaded donations by the truckload.

"We were able to help make the holidays a little brighter for Snohomish County families this year,” said Jereme Wise, a shop steward with Machinists IAM District Lodge 751, who also volunteered last year. “It was so great to see the community come together and support working families. Being able to give back to our neighbors is so important to the labor community.”

“This is an event that we always look forward to. We’re thrilled to work with our partners in the labor community to support the Marine Toys for Tots campaign,” said Dennis G. Smith, president and CEO of United Way of Snohomish County.

The project was organized through a partnership between United Way of Snohomish County and Snohomish County Labor Council. Volunteers represented IAM District Lodge 751, SPEEA IFPTE Local 2001, IBEW Local 77, IBEW Local 89 and General Teamsters Union Local 38. United Way's Labor Advisory Committee was established to support Snohomish County residents with the help of the labor community. The committee supports wheelchair ramp and other home safety and mobility improvements for community members and supports the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive and Toys for Tots.

United Way is a community impact organization serving Snohomish County for almost 75 years. In addition to funding 107 programs through 40 agencies with a special focus on local health and human services, United Way of Snohomish County supports a number of initiatives focusing on early learning and education, financial stability for families, a youth program, North Sound 211 and an emerging initiative in survival English.