As unemployment scorches Missouri, $5 for Fight Fund prepares for the worst yet to come

Simmons Hanly Conroy steps up with $20,000 donation

With unemployment in Missouri and the nation hitting record levels and expected to get worse as the coronavirus scorches our economy, the Robert J. Kelley Memorial $5 for the Fight Fund is “bulking up” to meet the anticipated flood of requests for help. A new donation of $20,000 from the Simmons Hanly Conroy law firm last week will be of “immense help” to meet that need, said St. Louis Labor Council President Pat White.

“While unemployment checks and some help from the government is providing temporary support, that’s going to be ending soon as the forbearance of local companies like utilities will be ending.

This newest Simmons Hanly Conroy donation brings the law firm’s support of working families to almost $200,000 over the past seven years. The firm represents workers and other with mesothelioma and asbestos related diseases.

END NOT IN SIGHT
“We haven’t seen the end of this yet, we’re only in the second inning of this pandemic. A lot of our members who ‘temporarily’ lost their jobs are going to lose them permanently and they are going to need the Fight Fund’s help,” White stressed.

Since the pandemic started, Missouri unemployment claims have hit 592,855 compared to 30,590 claims last year during the same period. That’s an increase of 1,938 percent!

“We are asking everyone who is working to make a contribution, no matter how large or small, every dollar is going to help,” said John Stiffler, executive secretary-treasurer of the St. Louis Building Trades Council. “A donation shows the true meaning of ‘solidarity’ we all have with one another, in good times and bad.”

CAN YOU HELP?
If you can help, please write a check to “$5 for the Fight” knowing that your contribution will help someone in desperate need of help. There’s four ways to give:

WAYS TO GIVE

• Mail: Check/money order to “$5 for the Fight, c/o St. Louis Labor Council, 3301 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044; please include your union affiliation.
• Online – www.labortribune.com, click “$5 for the Fight Donations” to a secure payment site for a one-time donation or an “automatic monthly deduction.”
• Schnucks eScrip program is ‘free money’ as Schnucks donates a percentage of your purchase to the Fight Fund. Shopper should consider picking up a free eScrip card at a local Schnucks.

Remember, 100 percent of donation goes into the “Fight Fund.” Efforts promoting, servicing the Fund are donated by the Labor Council, the United Way and the Labor Tribune.

From a lot of grateful people, “thank you” for agreeing that “we share because we care for one another.”