Over the past several months, Teamster women and their families have been giving back to our communities in meaningful ways.

Through volunteer events sponsored by our newly-organized Women’s Caucus, Local 117 Teamsters spent a Saturday in May helping out at the Emergency Food Network’s (EFN) Mother Earth Farm near Puyallup, and then another Saturday in June working at the EFN warehouse in Lakewood.

EFN’S MOTHER EARTH FARM

At the Mother Earth Farm, our Teamster crew spent the afternoon pulling weeds and installing a new irrigation system for the EFN’s farm-to-table program that provides fresh, organic food to individuals and families in need in Pierce County. 

The folks that run the farm praised our efforts, saying that our group was one of the most productive they’ve seen in a while.

The experience allowed volunteers like Freda Cogger, a Local 117 Teamster at Workforce Central, a chance to reflect—

“I realized how I am part of the bigger picture of helping those who need a little help get access to fresh vegetables and fruits,” she said.

SORTING APPLES: THE BAD FROM THE GOOD

A few weeks later, on a sunny Saturday in June, 13 Teamsters and their families spent another afternoon volunteering at the EFN’s warehouse in Lakewood.

The crew sorted 16,000 lbs of apples for the organization’s Repack Project, which helps prepare bulk food for distribution to food banks in Pierce County.

After participating in the two events, Cogger shared the following thoughts—

“Being a Teamster should mean more than paying dues... I should be able to do something to be Union strong and demonstrate solidarity…There’s the stereotype that Union folks are lazy and such. I need to be an example that that’s not true—in my Union and at work. What better way to do it than becoming more involved in my Union activities and events?”

A BENEFIT OR CAUSE NEAR YOU!

Do you know of a community organization or cause that you care about that needs a helping hand? Let your Business Rep or Shop Steward know, so we can continue to show our communities that Teamsters give back! For more information about the Teamsters Women’s Caucus, contact Dawn Gearhart at 206-441-4860 ext.1254.