Operating Engineers Local 513 members wrap children in warmth

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PROVIDING THE GIFT OF WARMTH, Operating Engineers Local 513 Business Agent Byron Saunders Sr. (left photo) delivers coats to Keshia Hair at Herzog Elementary School in St. Louis, while Local 513 Business Agent Keith Zancauske (right) presents Jessica Carey with some much-needed winter gear at Sullivan Elementary School in Sullivan. Operating Engineers Local 513’s Children’s Charity bought and distributed more than 171 coats for needy children at 23 schools in Local 513’s jurisdiction. – Operating Engineers Local 513 photos

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspondent

Operating Engineers Local 513 Children’s Charity’s generous donation of 171 new coats for kids in need couldn’t have come at a better time with the recent sub-zero cold snap.

Late last year, Local 513 business agents distributed coats to children at 23 schools in the union’s jurisdiction, which includes 58 counties and the City of St. Louis in the eastern half of Missouri.

Local 513 members raise money for the coats with a raffle, and business agents reach out to counselors at schools in their areas to see if there are any children in need. The counselors provide Local 513 with the gender, age and coat size needed.

Now in its third year, the coat drive is yet another example of how union members serve the community, just because it is the right thing to do.

“It makes our members feel good to know they are giving back to those in need in the communities where they live and work,” said Local 513 President and Business Manager Tim Sappington. “This was our most successful drive yet.”

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