Electrical Workers’ Minority Caucus collecting new, gently used coats for kids

By SHERI GASSAWAY

Correspondent

The St. Louis Chapter of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) is once again collecting new and gently used coats for needy and homeless children in the greater St. Louis area. The deadline for donations is Thursday, Dec. 15.

Over the past 10 years, the group has collected and donated more than 8,000 coats in the annual drive, said Curtis Tunstall, St. Louis EWMC president. Members of IBEW Locals 1, 1439 and 1455 conduct the drive to help children and young adults who need coats, hats and gloves for the winter.

“A couple guys from IBEW Local 1 actually started the drive,” said Tunstall, a member of Local 1439. “They saw a youngster on the street without a coat and decided to buy one for the child. Shortly afterward, the EWMC took over the drive, and it’s been going strong ever since.”

The annual effort also includes a dance, where partygoers donate coats and the price of admission is donated back to the charity. This year’s dance was held at IBEW Local 1 Union Hall.

The coats are distributed through several local organizations, including the Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center, Tandy Community Center, St. Vincent’s, ECHO, Epworth Children’s Home, St. Louis public schools and groups serving disabled children.

Coats and other winter items can be dropped of at IBEW 1439 Hall at 2121 59^th St. on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also mail checks payable to EWMC to P.O. Box 21163, St. Louis, MO 63121.