Saturday, December 26, 2009
By ASHLEY LUTHERN
aluthern@vindy.com
After a volatile year in the auto industry, members of the local United Auto Workers continued their tradition of giving.
The UAW Local 1714 and 1112 collaborated with Bill’s Place, a bar and grill on Mahoning Avenue, to collect donations for the Salvation Army of Mahoning and Trumbull counties Dec. 17.
“It’s been a tough year to raise money for charity,” said Dave Green, president of the Local 1714. “Usually we donate truckloads of toys, anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 worth of toys. But this year, we couldn’t get the donations for that much.”
Patrons at Bill’s Place were asked to give an unwrapped toy, nonperishable food item or a $5 donation as a cover charge for the evening. The event began at 6 a.m. Dec. 17 and lasted until the bar closed at 2 a.m. Dec. 18. Volunteers from the union worked shifts at the bar, organizing donations and selling 50/50 raffle tickets.
James Cecere of Poland, Robert Morales of Boardman, James Carter and Tony Arena, both of Austintown, volunteered for the busy evening shift, as more than 50 people came into Bill’s Place.
“We’re just happy to give back,” Carter said.
The union also donated 250 food baskets to local needy families.
“We made food donations our priority, as we figured that was more important than the toys,” Green said.
All of the items collected at Bill’s Place will be split evenly between Mahoning and Trumbull counties, he added.
“This year has been extremely hard for everyone, and we’re blessed with good jobs,” Green said. “It’s important for us to give back to the community.”