Local 142 Organizes and Delivers 50 Baskets to Members

Local 142 Organizes and Delivers 50 Baskets to Members

December 30, 2007

Members of Local 142 in Gary, Indiana spent the morning of December 15 delivering Christmas baskets to Teamster families around Northwest Indiana.

The Local 142 Stewards Council has raised funds and secured donations from companies to provide Christmas baskets, filled with food and household items, for the past 10 years.

"The Stewards Council began delivering Christmas baskets to help out 12 members who were laid off and on disability," said Harvey Jackson, Local 142 Stewards Council Chairman. "It has grown to 50 baskets, which really shows the support and commitment of the Teamsters to help their brothers and sisters."

Companies who donated products included Bakker Produce, Sara Lee, Pepsi Americas, Prairie Farms and Frito Lay. The Stewards Council also spent $1,850 for additional groceries and items.

More than 15 volunteers gathered December 11 to assemble the baskets, and again on December 15 to deliver the baskets throughout Indiana.

The Local 142 Stewards Council works hard throughout the year to help members. In 2007, more than $22,000 was donated to members in need. The council also holds steward training, awards scholarships and runs a food pantry.