Local 21 Members Hold Event to Feed the Homeless
Members from the Health Care Professionals Chapter planned and held a volunteer event where Local 21 members gave back to the community through volunteer work.
On October 11 and 12, Local 21 members served dinner to shelter clients at Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS). In conjunction with this volunteer event, Health Care Professionals Chapter members are also held a donation drive for supplies and monetary support for the shelter.
Local 21 member Michelle Pollard, Healthcare Professionals Chapter Vice President and Contract Compliance Manager at SF Department of Public Health, is one of the members leading this charge. Michelle says that homelessness is one of the biggest problems facing San Francisco, but the value of participating extends beyond helping people in need. Volunteering is also something that can impact our work for the public. “As public servants, we can learn more about the communities we serve and what is really needed. This volunteer action is not just about serving food, it is about getting to know people while giving back.” Sarah Pajarito, Health Care Analyst at SF Department of Public Health, agrees. “This was an amazing experience to share with my fellow union members. I learned a little more about community and humanity stepping inside of ECS.”
40 Local 21 members, representing most CCSF chapters, served dinner to 400 people in two shifts. Afterwards, volunteers cleaned up and left the facility sparkling. The non-profit was also very touched by the large donation of necessary items from L21 members. Local 21 donated every item from ECS’s wish list!
Frances Hsieh, Senior Policy Analyst for the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs, says, “Being a union member is about more than what we can do during bargaining. Our power can and should extend beyond our workplaces to issues that impact our families and our communities. This event is a great example of how we can do more as union members.”
The Health Care Professionals chapter organized the event from top to bottom, and created an event committee which had weekly conference calls to discuss logistics and make sure that the event was a success. Kudos to Local 21 members who worked on this project!
Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved!
