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December 20, 2004

Rail Unions Toy Collection for Families of Troops (from left): John Oles, Machinists; Rick Lazevnick, Carmen; Charles Bott, IBEW Local 1631; Staff Sergeant John Aiken; Elise Divine, manager; Mike DeStrange, IBEW Local 1631; Mike Diana, Laborers

With holidays on the horizon, union workers of the Metro-North Railroad in Harmon, New York took time to consider the plight of local families whose loved ones are deployed to Iraq. Then, mustering the spirit of solidarity, they went into action.

Members of IBEW Local 1631 joined workers from seven other unions, raising $1,300 for toys and food for the children and families of "A" Company 2nd Battalion 108^th infantry of the U.S. Army Reserves. The soldiers, stationed at Camp Smith in Cortland Manor, New York, are presently deployed to Iraq.

Jack Curtiss, Local 1631 business manager, said: "This was a good effort. Our members sold raffle tickets and then went out to purchase toys and food."

A statement from the unions, which will be sent to local news media, says, "We support our military personnel and their families. Thanks to all our union members for their time and efforts to make this holiday season happy for the families of those people who protect our freedom."

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