Jennifer Rice photo
The Fox Valley United Way got $2,250 Nov. 20 in donations from union leaders. FVUW Chief Executive Officer Michael Meyer, left, along with Director of Development Denise Blettner, front, and Director of Administration Deborah Collins, were awed by the generous donation. Union leaders included, second from left, Laborers Local 149 Business Manager Dan Brejc, Operating Engineers Local 150 Business Representative Rick Dunlap, Sheet Metal Local 265 Financial Secretary/Business Representative Chuck Ruegge, Iron Workers Local 393 Business Manager/Financial Secretary/Treasurer Jack Keck, Bricklayers Local Administrative District Council 1 Business Agent Doug Johnston, Painters District Council 30 Director of Membership Services Brian Dahl and Fox Valley Building & Construction Trades Council President Scott Roscoe.

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012
     The Fox Valley United Way gets about 70 percent of its donations through workforce campaigns, and a big supporter is the Fox Valley Building & Construction Trades Council (FVBCTC).
     Several union leaders from the FVBCTC visited the Fox Valley United Way (FVUW) Nov. 19 to present checks from their unions — a total of $2,250. A good chunk of that money comes from council’s annual golf outing, the rest from union contributions.
     Even though most trades are hurting financially, members continue to come together to give what they can to help others in need. “The Fox Valley United Way has limited resources, but its determination is unbelievable,” said FVBCTC President Scott Roscoe, who also sits on the FVUW board.
     Fox Valley United Way Director of Administration Deborah Collins said her organization has gotten more calls for assistance this year than in years past. “The calls are indicative of what’s going on with the economy right now. Families are really worried about their basic human needs. They want to have groceries for holiday get-together — extravagant toys are the last thing on their lists,” Collins said.
     She added that for families in need, the holiday season is not about gifts — it’s about families coming together and being able to share a meal for the holidays. She thanked the Fox Valley union community for coming together. “There are a lot of families that are a lot less fortunate than we are.”
     Currently, the FVUW is helping 120 families — representing 240 children — through its Holiday Assistance Program, which helps needy families who won’t have the means to provide gifts for their children this year.
     FVUW Chief Executive Officer Michael Meyer said his organization partners with several area agencies that give assistance to those in needs. In total last year, those organizations helped 4,500 children. “That gives you an idea of how much help is needed in the community,” he explained.
     Meyer said Aurora is a generous community that he’s proud to be part of it. “I know there may be some union members that are on the receiving end of a lot of the services that we are now supporting, and hopefully that will change. Nonetheless, union members in this community are generous — despite hard times,” Meyer added.
     To participate in the Holiday Assistance Program by sponsoring a child, making a donation or donating scarfs, hats or mittens, visit www.uwfoxvalley.org.

Jennifer Rice’s e-mail address is Jen@foxvalleylabornews.com.