Three years ago, Mark Simko’s daughter, Kadence, came up with the idea to collect unwanted bikes so The Red Lantern Bike Shop could restore and distribute them to kids in the community for free.
This Mother’s Day weekend, Local 1219’s Next Generation leadership, Jim Johnston (District 10 Next Generation Coordinator), Jim Cain, Mark, their families and volunteers dropped off the bikes they collected to the bike shop – they had their most successful drive ever, collecting over 300 bikes, trikes and scooters.
Gisele Fetterman, wife to Braddock’s Mayor John Fetterman, stopped by the event that has gained some local publicity over the years. Kadence was even interviewed by some local Pittsburgh news channels that get the scoop on the bike drive every year.
After the bike drop-off, volunteers Tina Simko and Natalie Pollitt hosted a cook out for the Braddock community at the Red Lantern Bike Shop.
As the coordinator of Next Generation, the USW’s young worker program, for Local Union 1219, Mark Simko is a natural at encouraging activism within his local as well as the community, and he is teaching his own children to be activists, too. That is why he is USW’s District 10’s Jefferson Award winner.
“I think it’s important to start a life of activism as early as possible,” Mark says. “We are creatures of habit, and if a younger person or child is out in the community helping, building relationships, and providing some kind of heartfelt act of kindness, they will grow up with that sense of community service being second nature to them.”
Mark’s local also hosts an annual Thanksgiving turkey drive and Christmas toy drive. This year, these events helped to feed 300 families and provided gifts for hundreds of children in need. These are just a few of the many initiatives Mark and his team takes on to serve others.
“It's important that the members of the community know and understand that the union is here to help in any way possible,” Mark said. “We don't just work here; we are not just passing through. By doing everything that we have been doing over the last few years we have been able to accomplish that.”
For Mark, one of the best parts of this work is knowing he and his members are having a positive influence on his own daughter and son.
“I never would have thought doing what we have been doing would inspire my kids to take ownership of their own projects and give back to those that may not be as fortunate as they are,” Mark said. “Seeing them enthusiastic about getting out and doing for others is what truly inspires me to keep doing the work we do.”
