With our Giving Tree, Teamsters made the holidays brighter for families with small children.

Standing in our Local 117 office over the holidays was a very special kind of tree. Strung with ornaments and colored lights, it bore the names of dozens of Teamster children.

The children were from families, all members of Teamsters 117, who needed a helping hand this year to brighten the holidays for their kids.

Members and staff who entered the office, along with attendees at our November membership meeting, were invited to take a family from the tree and furnish their kids with a little holiday magic. 

In all, our Giving Tree program, in conjunction with our Holiday Toy Drive, supplied more than 70 Teamster children with gifts. Our Union's Executive Board also approved a small monetary donation for the families.

"The families were so appreciative," said Laura Bolinger, a Union Rep at the Local who spearheaded the effort. "One of my members was brought to tears when she learned she would have a little more money over the holidays to spend on her kids. Thank you to everyone who helped in any capacity. It truly was a joy to head up this effort and it filled my cup many times over."

On the Saturday before Christmas, the families stopped by the Union Hall to pick up their presents and partake in cookies, hot chocolate, and holiday movies. The kids were overjoyed.

"We are thrilled to be able to help families, especially those with small children, better enjoy the holidays," said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters 117. "Our membership is generous, compassionate, and resilient. We are always looking after each other."