Category: IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community

Source: US GOIAM Union

IAM District 5, along with members from Locals 2525 and W33, recently organized and performed their annual IAM H.E.L.P.S event at the Great Plains Food Bank (GPFB) in Fargo, N.D. The local food bank is a vital organization committed to fighting hunger by collecting, warehousing, and distributing surplus food to those in need across North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.

The IAM Midwest Territory began the “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” initiative in the spring of 2017 to provide essential assistance to those in need. H.E.L.P.S. stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing and Servicing.

During the IAM HELPS event, six dedicated volunteers from District 5 and its affiliated locals actively contributed to the food bank’s mission, packing over 450 pounds of dried beans into one-pound packages, each designed to support a family in need. This effort directly benefited local families, providing them with essential items.

“Through our IAM H.E.L.P.S. initiative, we continue to honor our commitment to serve, uplift, and strengthen our communities,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Partnering with the Great Plains Food Bank allows us to turn compassion into action – one pound, one family, one person at a time.

The decision to collaborate with the GPFB was driven by the collective desire of District 5 and its locals to make a meaningful impact in their local communities. By supporting the food bank’s mission, the IAM aimed to contribute to the well-being of those in need by providing essential items for essential nourishment. The IAM H.E.L.P.S. event highlighted the importance of community involvement, as the Great Plains Food Bank relies on volunteers to successfully fulfill its mission of alleviating hunger in the region.

Source: US GOIAM Union

On Dec. 17, 2024, members of IAM District 66 volunteered at the WAFER Food Pantry in La Crosse, Wisc. This essential community resource plays a critical role in fighting hunger by providing a grocery store-like environment where individuals can select the items they need most.

“Our team contributed from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., working in two shifts to accommodate WAFER’s operational needs,” said Jana Kirch. “I’m proud to share that, thanks to our strong turnout and efficiency, we often had staff searching for additional tasks to assist WAFER Food Pantry.”

This year, Casey and Alan Leisso received specialized training to assist visitors as they selected their food items and remained dedicated to this role throughout our shift. The rest of our volunteers focused on sorting and stocking shelves and coolers, inspecting produce, and repackaging bulk items into smaller, family-sized portions.

“Serving at WAFER Food Pantry reminds us that small acts of kindness can have a big impact,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Together, we not only nourish our community, but also inspire future generations to lead with compassion and service.”

“I’m particularly proud that our members have repeatedly chosen WAFER for our H.E.L.P.S. projects,” continued Kirch. “The impact this facility has on local families is undeniable, and the respectful, dignified atmosphere it provides to those in need is inspiring. Volunteering here also offers a valuable opportunity to involve our children in meaningful community service. It’s a chance to educate them through action, instilling a sense of responsibility and compassion they can carry forward.”

Source: US GOIAM Union

IAM Midwest Territory staff recently conducted their annual charity event at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Schaumburg, Ill., as part of the IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community program.

The IAM Midwest Territory staff volunteers assisted in packing 143 boxes of meals, which will provide 85 children with a daily meal for an entire year.

“We are very proud of our IAM H.E.L.P.S. events throughout the Territory,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “It’s just as rewarding for the Territory Staff and their family to participate in assisting in our communities abroad with the goal to help however we can as we’ve seen with so many other events taking place locally. Feed My Starving Children is an incredible organization with a global impact that provides a wonderful opportunity for those in need.”

FMSC is an international organization that provides meals to children worldwide who suffer from malnutrition. FMSC meals are developed by food science and nutrition professionals to supplement nutritional deficits and reduce problems caused by malnutrition.

“We believe wholeheartedly in giving back to our communities and volunteering time to make a real difference in the lives of those who are in need,” said IAM Midwest Territory Grand Lodge Representative and H.E.L.P.S. Co-coordinator Kevin Murch.

The IAM Midwest Territory “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” initiative stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing, and Servicing.

For more information on IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community, click here.

Source: US GOIAM Union

IAM District 8 members from Locals 126, 1000, 2068, 49 and 48 came together in mid-December to make a difference in the community by volunteering at Cradles to Crayons in Chicago, a nonprofit dedicated to providing essential items to children who face clothing insecurity.

During their volunteer efforts, IAM members played a vital role in sorting donations and preparing approximately 640 quality clothing items for distribution to local children. This effort aims to help many families that struggle to provide essential clothing, directly impacting the lives of vulnerable children. It ensures children have access to the basic items necessary for confidence, safety, and success.

“IAM District 8 is committed to supporting the communities we serve,” said IAM District 8 Directing Business Representative Ryan Patrick Kelly. “This event provided us with a valuable opportunity to unite in our efforts to combat clothing insecurity among families, particularly children who are often the most vulnerable in these situations. I am incredibly proud of our members, whose dedication and compassion truly shine as they work to ensure that every child has the resources they need to thrive and succeed.”

“IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” events and gatherings foster a sense of community and mutual support, allowing IAM members to come together to uplift those who are less fortunate. 

“Giving back to those in need is not just important, it’s essential,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “By dedicating their personal time to this cause, District 8 members showcase the profound impact of their actions, embodying the belief that unions go beyond workplace relations.”

Through efforts like these, IAM members not only make a tangible difference in the lives of local children and their families but also strengthen the bonds within their community, demonstrating the power of solidarity and compassion in action.

Source: US GOIAM Union

IAM District 10 successfully held its 4th annual H.E.L.P.S. book drive and volunteer event at the Next Door Foundation. This initiative aims to bolster early literacy efforts and strengthen families in Milwaukee.

In early December, more than a dozen IAM District 10 members participated in a meaningful volunteer effort. They dedicated their time to one-on-one reading sessions with children enrolled in the Next Door Foundation’s educational programs at their Capitol Drive facility. This focused reading time aims to enhance children’s literacy skills and cultivate a lifelong love for books.

The Next Door Foundation provides vital services to nearly 1,400 children annually, ranging from birth to five years old. Committed to preparing children for academic success, the organization offers center-based programs, home visitation, and partnerships across 11 Milwaukee County sites. Its comprehensive approach includes academic and social-emotional learning, behavioral support, mental health resources, and medical and dental care—all free of charge to families.

“The IAM believes in the power of education and community service as core principles,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “The commitment from IAM District 10 members exemplifies how individuals can come together to create lasting positive change in the lives of every child. Each of our H.E.L.P.S. events, that happen throughout our Territory, reaffirms our commitment to helping each other and support for members and their families in our neighborhoods.”

As part of the H.E.L.P.S. initiative, IAM District 10 proudly donated more than 500 new and used children’s books contributed by IAM members and their families from throughout Wisconsin. 

“In addition to fighting each day for fair wages and a healthy work-life balance, IAM District 10 strives to uphold the union’s mission of ‘Justice on the Job, Service to the Community’ by giving back to the communities where its members live and work,” said IAM District 10 Organizer Anne Winberg.

The IAM Midwest Territory began the “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” initiative in the spring of 2017 to provide essential assistance to residents in need. H.E.L.P.S. stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing and Servicing.

Source: US GOIAM Union

In September and October, members of IAM Local 254 and  IAM District 6 organized an event under the IAM Midwest Territory H.E.L.P.S. initiative to support homeless veterans in the Des Moines area. Their efforts address the urgent needs of these veterans by collecting winter clothing and hygiene essentials.

IAM District 6 had 70 backpacks in storage, which they repurposed for this event. Throughout September, they reached out to local businesses for donations, gathering both funds and goods. Prior to their October 1 meeting, members filled backpacks with as many supplies as possible, including stocking hats knitted by a member and additional items donated by others.

After assessing the remaining needs, IAM Local 254 collaborated with another business to fund the rest of the items required to fill the backpacks. Each pack included essentials such as blankets, gloves, hygiene items, and non-perishable food. These items were carefully selected to help veterans stay warm and maintain basic hygiene in challenging outdoor conditions.

IAM Local 254 partnered with the Des Moines Homeless Veteran Stand Down organization, a national group that connects homeless veterans with vital services, to distribute the filled backpacks. The Stand Down events, which began in 1988 in San Diego, are now held nationwide and provide veterans with support like employment assistance, healthcare, food, and VA benefit guidance.

“We stand together to support those who’ve served our country, especially those facing homelessness,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “With every filled backpack, we hope to bring a bit of warmth, dignity, and comfort to our veterans in need.”

Looking ahead, IAM Local 254 plans to make this an annual event, continuing their support for homeless veterans by participating in the Stand Down event and collecting donations year-round. Through the H.E.L.P.S. program, IAM Local 254 demonstrates its commitment to community service, aligning with the broader goals of supporting veterans and those in need.

Source: US GOIAM Union

IAM District 837 members recently made a significant impact in their community by participating in an IAM H.E.L.P.S. event at the St. Louis Area Food Bank in Bridgeton, Mo. Through a day of dedicated effort, members successfully organized and packaged 18,927 meals for distribution within their community.

The Food Bank reported that the total weight of the food organized by these committed members reached more than 11 tons, enough to sustain one person for over 17 years. A total of 24 volunteers from District 837 participated in the event. They expressed pride in their contribution to the community while also feeling humbled by the substantial need for food assistance in the area.

“Participating in this IAM H.E.L.P.S. event is a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together as a community,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “We’re proud of the work we do, and each event is a humbling reminder of the ongoing need for support within our communities. We’re committed to continuing this partnership and doing even more events like this wherever we can in the future.”

Following the event, all participants applied for a volunteer hour match from their employer, securing a monetary donation of $1,840 for the food bank. 

The donation came with a message: “Thank you to the St. Louis Area Food Bank for all the work your organization does to better our community. From your friends at the Machinists Union District 837.” 

The event has sparked excitement within District 837, with many volunteers eager to participate in future IAM H.E.L.P.S. events and strengthen their partnership with the St. Louis Area Food Bank.

The IAM Midwest Territory began the “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” initiative in the spring of 2017 to provide essential assistance to residents in need. H.E.L.P.S. stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing and Servicing.