USW, Highmark volunteers team up for Make a Difference Day

Amazing things happen when people come together. That was evidenced today as the United Steelworkersl Union, Highmark Health and the Jefferson Awards Foundation teamed up to do a day of community service in honor of national “Make a Difference Day.” Kimbery-Clark Corp., which employs many USW members, also had a big role in the day's success.

Volunteers from the organizations rolled up their sleeves on a Saturday morning to help organizing adult and baby diapers made and donated by USW Local USW Local 2-482 and Kimberly-Clark Corp. in Neenah, Wisconsin. The diapers will be donated to the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank, hurricane victims and others in need.

 Make a Difference Day 2017

"The collaboration between Local 2-482 and Kimberly-Clark, serves as shining example of unity between labor, management and community.  It is refreshing to see," said Cathy Battle, executive director of the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank. "The donations received from the loyal members of the USW will assist families who struggle to provide their children with an adequate supply of diapers."

Highmark and USW employees and families also spent several hours packing art supplies donated by USW members from District 10 and District 12 as well as Highmark Health to make  “Emma’s Art Kits,” a Jefferson Awards Lead360 project created by a teenage girl suffering from brain tumors. Art supplies are donated to pediatric patients at various healthcare facilities to help them pass the time and escape from the effects of illnesses. 

Volunteers also packed children’s toiletries and school supply bags for donation to local domestic violence and homeless shelters.

USW International President Leo W. Gerard said the goal of the day was to bring people from different walks of life together to help those in need, and to help create a culture of service and cooperation in our communities so that we can have the maximum positive impact - together.

“The USW has a long tradition of community service in the areas where we work and live, not just this day but every day. And not just in Pittsburgh, but everywhere," Gerard said. "Today, we are happy to partner with Highmark Health – a fellow Jefferson Awards Foundation Champion -- in our hometown of Pittsburgh to promote doing good deeds and show the power of unity."

Champions are organizations that partner with JAF to engage in meaningful public service and celebrate their communities with Jefferson Awards.

"We want to add to the meaning of City of Champions,” Gerard said. 

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