For IBEW Local 64, the holiday season is for the kids.
To help an area nonprofit, the local union presented a monetary gift to YWCA Mahoning Valley for $400.
“This is a great opportunity to take part in making sure they have a great Christmas,” said Jim Burgham, business manager of IBEW Local 64.
For the last couple of years, the union has donated to the local YWCA, benefitting the Wish Upon a Star program.
The gift is approved by membership at a meeting and comes from the Local’s general fund, Burgham said.
Jessica Gibbs, rental coordinator and development assistant for YWCA Mahoning Valley, holds a check presented by IBEW Local 64. Pictured left to right are: Scott Satterlee, president and membership development; Jim Burgham, business manager; Gibbs; and Cody Hilliard, vice president. The donation will go toward the YWCA’s program Wish Upon A Star.
“YWCA Mahoning Valley is thankful to Local IBEW 64’s donation to the Wish Upon A Star program,” said Jessica Gibbs, rental coordinator and development assistant for YWCA Mahoning Valley. “This donation will provide holiday gifts and gift cards for children and youth served by YWCA’s supportive housing programs.”
Once lists from the housing program are collected, they are distributed throughout the community to businesses, organizations, churches, community groups and individuals to fulfill, Gibbs said.
Donors can either purchase items from the lists or make monetary donations.
Supporting the charity is a “small way” to give back to the community, Burgham said.
Building on that sentiment was Scott Satterlee, president and membership development of Local 64.
“We’re fortunate enough to work in the community. We feel that if we’re able, we should give back to the community,” Satterlee said.
Local 64 looks for ways to give back to the community, Burgham said.
In another donation opportunity to benefit children, the union teams up with the AFL-CIO, collecting gifts that are taken to children-based organizations in the Warren and Youngstown areas.
“Helping local organizations to give children a Christmas is a small way we give back to the community,” Burgham said.