Submitted by USW 1123 Co-Chair Women of Steel Katrina Fitzgerald
On Sunday, November 22, Women of Steel (WOS) members from United Steelworkers Local 1123 volunteered their time to serve food to the less fortunate in the community at the Salvation Army in Canton, OH. We were joined by Sue Snyder and Theresa Ali-Ai from USW Local 9187, also located in Canton.
Our decision to volunteer for this project was based on the wonderful services the Salvation Army provided to one of our WOS sisters who benefitted greatly during tough times. We decided to lend a hand during the holiday season and extend our gratitude to them for playing an instrumental part in our sister’s childhood and the lives of many others within our community.
This experience was very humbling and heartbreaking at the same time. It reminded us that, throughout our lives we face our own struggles and hardships but there are so many others that face much greater daily challenges than we can ever fathom.
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It was very challenging for most of us to embrace the struggles that many of the guests were facing alone, with their families, or with random street companions.
It was unsettling to talk to war veterans, to listen to their sacrifices to protect us and then to hear about the hardships and issues they face now.
It was very profound to watch a mother share part of her meal with her daughters so that they could have just a little more to get through to the next meal.
There were so many moments of sharing and contributing that humbled each one of us.
We may have helped them by serving warm meals to fill their bellies, but it was all of them that warmed our hearts and taught us to be thankful for what we often take for granted each and every day.
Those that volunteered; Trish Hostetler, Katrina Fitzgerald, Carrie Holland, Lisa Talbott, Carol Maney, Karen Bezon, Elsie Fox, and Cathy Mottice.
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. Click Here to share video and photos with us and don’t forget to use the #USWCares hashtag when you post your stories on social media. If you or your local is doing this kind of work, please submit a nomination for a Jefferson Awards at usw.org/uswcares. Don't forget to shout out @Steelworkers!