Jennifer Marcrum and LaTonsha Robinson reading to students.

In November and December of 2008, USW employees at the Nashville office participated in building community spirit in conjunction with this year's United Way campaign.

Kay Haggerty and Sheri Ungren getting hugs.

The project began at the Martha O'Bryan Center in East Nashville, one of the lowest income neighborhoods in the city.  USW volunteers took time to read and talk to pre-school children and gave the one-on-one attention that kids crave.

Tonya Barnard being hugged.

The success of this initial project motivated the group to do more and a core group headed by Tonya Barnard, Kay Haggerty and Jennifer Marcrum launched a campaign to give these kids a better holiday season. 

Tonya Barnard, Carol Corse and Marcia McGee singing.

First, they provided a Thanksgiving dinner to as many people in the area. Volunteers completely filled a Chevrolet Venture van with canned, frozen and fresh meats and vegetables and used monetary donations to buy breads and fruits to distribute. 

Carol Corse singing to the kids

The group then secured the help of Laura Harle and acquired 100 stuffed animals.  Just before Christmas, another group of employees brought these gifts to the Martha O'Bryan Center to pass out to the children and entertained them with Christmas carols. In a final act of giving, these ladies conducted out a hat, coat and glove drive and delivered the items just before the cold weather arrived.

Carol Corse sitting (with elf hat), Kay Haggerty, Tonya Barnard and Marcia McGee singing carols.

Tonya Barnard, Kay Haggerty, Sheri Ungren and Marcia McGee handing out stuffed toys.

Group shot left to right, Kay Haggerty, LaTonsha Robinson, Tonya Barnard, myself, Jennifer Marcrum and Debi Taylor.

Debi Taylor reading to students.