Backpack Drive Helps 40 Needy TWU Families

SEPTEMBER 2 – Just because you work and have a union job doesn’t mean life is without strife and struggles, says 20-year veteran CTA from Car Equipment Aimie Thomas. “Times are tough, and that’s exactly why we stand together.”

As summer drew to a close this year, Sister Thomas wanted to give back directly to our Union families with K-6 kids who are facing hardship. Working with Member Services, Thomas identified and reached out to families who are having difficulties. She purchased backpacks and filled them up with school supplies including folders, binders, glue sticks, pens and pencils, notebooks and crayons.

The next step was to meet the families – some of whom didn’t want their pictures taken, and may not have wanted co-workers to know about their hardships. Working with other volunteers and officers including MaBSTOA VP Don Yates and members of the Safety Committee, Thomas distributed backpacks to 40 families, some with more than one child. The kids got the backpacks in time for school’s opening day.

“The backpacks are to help our TWU families start the school year strong and prepared,” Thomas said. “Solidarity means showing up for each other, not just on the job, but in every part of life. We take care of us.”

 

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