The United Steelworkers teammed up with Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Charlie Batch and several of his teammates to hand out school supplies to children at the Barrett Elementary School in Homestead, in Pittsburgh. 

The USW and the players distributed “BatchPacks” before taking the entire student body shopping for school supplies. Other Steelers who helped out were quarterback Dennis Dixon and linebackers LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons and Arnold Harrison.

The “Best of the Batch Foundation,” the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and Costco Wholesale are among the organizations providing supplies to every enrolled child and every new student who enrolls at Barrett Elementary and other Steel Valley schools throughout the year.

“The Steelworkers union has very deep roots in Homestead,” said USW International Vice President Fred Redmond.  “We have a long-standing commitment to the community and it is an honor to join with Charlie Batch and others who have made this possible through their generosity.” 

“A good education is crucial to these youngsters,” Redmond said.  “While the generosity of others will help facilitate their learning, they are gaining another important lesson of life by donating their old back packs to help others in need.”