Story submitted by Tammie Botelho
Maria Valenti, a member of the Bic Unit of Local 134L, organized a collection of suggested items to benefit cancer patients of Smilow Cancer Hospital. A gaylord (triplewall corrugated pallet box) was set up at the employee entrance of the factory with a 
flyer and list attached with items that could be donated to bring smiles to children and teens at the hospital. WOS Coordinator Tammie Botelho joined in this project with Maria by making up flyers and posting them throughout the plant.
Maria and her daughter-in-law Teresa have both recently gone through cancer treatment and realized the need to help bring a small amount of joy to cancer sufferers at Smilow, Cancer Hospital at Yale, in New Haven, CT. This project has been given the name of "Smiles for Smilow."
Bic employees rose to the occasion and filled the gaylord with board games, card games, babies and children's toys. Gift cards to help families who have to travel back and forth for treatment were also donated. We congratulate Maria and Teresa for doing such a great job and for answering a need.
This project is just one of so many USW's amazing members do every day to give back to our communities. If you or your local are doing good things in your community, we want to hear about them. Let us know and share video and photos at www.usw.org/uswcares and use the #USWCares hashtag when you post your stories on social media. Don't forget to shout out @Steelworkers!