Contact: Connie Mabin, 412-562-2616, cmabin@usw.org
Editors: Media wishing to cover a surprise presentation on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Center for Hope, 740 Park Rd., Ambridge, PA 15003, should contact Connie Mabin in advance and plan to arrive promptly 11 a.m. Enter from the back parking lot off of Maplewood.
Pittsburgh – The United Steelworkers (USW) International Union and Highmark Health are being honored this week by the TEGNA Foundation with a national award for their “Make A Difference Day” project. The Pittsburgh-based organizations teamed up in October to bring together people from around the region to volunteer and encourage building a culture of community service.
Volunteers spent the day organizing thousands of adult and baby diapers made and donated by USW Local 2-482 at Kimberly-Clark Corp. in Neenah, Wis. The diapers were donated to the Diaper Bank of Western Pennsylvania, hurricane victims and others in need. Volunteers also packed more than 1,000 art kits donated to pediatric patients at various health care facilities, including Allegheny General Hospital’s pediatric unit and Highmark’s The Caring Place.
The group also packed hundreds of children’s toiletries and school supply bags for donation to local domestic violence and homeless shelters and to the Center for Hope, a community center in Ambridge, Pa., that provides food, clothing, education and other services to families in need.
USW and Highmark share a common goal to bring people together by creating a culture of service and cooperation in our communities to have the maximum positive impact.
“Our union and our incredible members are often the heart and soul of the communities where we live and work. Giving back is in our blood,” said Leo W. Gerard, USW International President. “We’re proud to partner with Highmark Health in our hometown of Pittsburgh to promote doing good deeds and show the power of unity.”
“We are so proud of our community partnership with the USW and the work of our dedicated Highmark Health Caring Corps volunteers. Together we are making a difference in our community,” said Maria Anderson, Director of Community Programs, Highmark Health Community Affairs.
The TEGNA Foundation, sponsor of the annual Make A Difference Day, chooses 13 national award winners annually from among the hundreds of volunteer projects that take place on that day. Each year, $140,000 in grants are awarded to non-profits as part of the recognition.
About the USW: The USW is North America’s largest industrial union, representing 1.2 million active and retired workers in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply, and the energy-producing industries.