Auto Workers local donates $6,000 in toys

Children Services was among the recipients of the toys from Local 1714.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County Children Services employees are giving Santa some-much needed help today and Friday, delivering toys to the children enrolled in their programs.
Children Services officials said, however, the children would not have Christmas gifts without the generosity of the Mahoning Valley. They said they were overwhelmed by the response of individuals, businesses, civic organizations and churches who donated toys.
With the auto industry in the United States taking a financial beating from the combination of foreign competition, a battered U.S. economy and fuel shortages caused by natural disasters, Children Services officials said they were moved and amazed by the response from the 1,500 member United Auto Workers Local 1714, which represents the west complex workers at the Lordstown General Motors Assembly Plant.
"Times are difficult and uncertain for them, so we didn't know what to expect, but they were wonderful," said Emily Wetherill, Children Services training supervisor. "They came through more than they ever have, with toys that are just outstanding. It is just amazing, they are proud to be able to help. You can see it on their faces."
Jim Kaster, president of UAW local 1714, said Lordstown GM employees work together on charitable projects and have contributed to Christmas ventures for more than 20 years.
Community contributions
This year, the union workers raised some $45,000 in 2005 for charities and organizations, including around $6,000 through its Toys for Kids committee to purchase toys for several organizations, including Children Services of Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
"All the credit goes to the guys out on the [shop] floor," Kaster said. "They work on it all year."
The Toys for Kids committee, supported by GM management, generated the money with in-plant 50/50 raffles, bake sales and auctions, and by collecting money from the plant entrance gates. Management gives the employees time away from the plant with pay when they are working on charitable activities, Kaster said.
Wetherill said toys donated by the UAW and others go to children who are in Children Services programs but living with their parents or other relatives, children in foster care, and the children housed in Children Services six intake homes.
"These toys go right into the kids hands," she said. "They don't always express their feelings, but it means a lot to the families that no matter the problems they are dealing with, their children are remembered."