The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 500 recently partnered with the Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council and United Way of the Capital Region to collect food for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. 

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is the nation’s largest single-day food drive. Community members placed non-perishable food at their mailbox for pick up by the letter carriers. Local donations were taken to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank where the Labor Council’s community service team members and Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Troops 10973 and 10738 were also preparing meals for homeless families. NALC Harrisburg District collected more than 400,000 pounds of food for area families in need.

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is just one example of how organized labor and United Way work together to make a difference in our community.

Members of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Troops 10738, 10283 and 10973 recently graduated from the “Rising Community Advocates” training, co-sponsored by United Way of the Capital Region and the Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council’s Community Service Committee.

This comprehensive training program focuses on recognizing and mobilizing Girl Scouts to address community service needs. Through the program, girls develop skills in community advocacy and leadership of volunteer projects to help working families in need.

This year the class learned about safety net services by visiting the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. They learned how to prepare and execute a presentation about community needs to audiences. The class then distributed leaflets and flyers encouraging participation in the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

In addition, the class used funds from their treasury to buy food for 100 bagged lunches that they prepared and provided to Bethesda Mission’s homeless family feeding program.

Congratulations again to our 2016 class of “Rising Community Advocates.”

In honor of Nelson Mandela Day on July 18, Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council’s Community Service Committee and United Way of the Capital Region are partnering to hold a literacy event at the Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region’s Children’s Summer Feeding Program.

From 9 – 10:30 a.m. children from pre-school through third grade will receive a healthy breakfast and literacy kits containing age level appropriate books and activities. There will also be book readings led by labor and community volunteers. 

Mandela Day is a global call to action for citizens of the world to take up the challenge and follow in the formidable footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Its objective is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better and in so doing, to build a global movement for good. 

Many thanks to our book sponsors: United Way of the Capital Region, AFSCME Local 1224, AFSCME Local 2456, AFSCME Retirees Local 9001 and the Coalition of Labor Union Women.

To sign up as a volunteer reader for the literacy event, contact Karen Overly Smith, United Way of the Capital Region labor liaison, at ksmith@uwcr.org.

On Sunday, August 14, at 12:30 p.m. union representatives, friends and family members are invited to join us at the Harrisburg Senators game for a special kickoff to the 2016 United Way campaign. Hosted by Capital BlueCross, this family-friendly event includes an all-you-can-eat buffet followed by the game at 2 p.m. This event is an outstanding way to show your support for labor and United Way’s partnership!

Rob Bair, business manager for IBEW Local 143, will throw out the first pitch. Delegates from the Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council will be on the field presenting campaign endorsements and union treasury gifts to Tim Fatzinger, president and CEO of United Way of the Capital Region. All labor attendees are encouraged to wear their union colors to display on the Jumbotron. 

Tickets are $25 per adult or $15 per child. This event was a sell out last year, so don’t wait to purchase your ticket! For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact Karen Overly Smith, United Way of the Capital Region labor liaison, at ksmith@uwcr.org.