Title
To recognize and commend St. Stephen's Community House and the Central Ohio Organized Labor Council's Christmas Care/One New Toy Program and the Kroger Company.
Body
WHEREAS, the Christmas Care/One New Toy Program was created in 1982 when Organized Labor and friends wanted to help families struggling to make ends meet, particularly at Christmas time; and
WHEREAS, the program became a cooperative initiative supported by Organized Labor of Central Ohio working in partnership with St. Stephen Community House and local businesses to provide toys for children, food for families and personal need for older children and seniors; and
WHEREAS, the Christmas Care/One New Toy program obtains its material and financial support from area local unions including AFSCME, APRI, Bakers 57, COLC, IAFF 67, CWA, IBEW, OAPSE/AFSCME, OCSEA, OEPA, NALC, AFL-CIO, OFT, Plumbers-Pipefitter 189, Teamster, UAW, UFCW, UIW, USW, SEIU and their retiree clubs; and
WHEREAS, the program receives additional support from many companies including Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Balliso, Birchwood Meals, CVS, Delta Dental, General Mills, Kroger Co., Marzetti, Meijer, Ohio Packing, Penske Truck, Republic Waste, Rich Products, Roberts Electrical, Smith Dairy, Sugarcreek, Tamarack Dairy and other interested individuals; and
WHEREAS, last year, the Kroger Company provided 2 refrigerator trucks, pallet containers, pallet jacks, one fork lift, 2000 chickens, potatoes, apples, oranges, 30 pallets, plastic bags and milk; and
WHEREAS, Volunteers from local unions, St. Stephens, Boys and Girls Scouts, National Guard and involved companies help bring everything together to make the program a success by collecting food, toys and money to purchase other necessary items. The items are then sorted and distributed to needy families at St. Stephens Community House prior to the Christmas holiday; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, the program helped over 300 families and 75 seniors and last year over 3100 families, including 7500 children were assisted; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize and commend St. Stephen's Community House and the Central Ohio Organized Labor Council's Christmas Care/One New Toy Program and thank the Kroger Company, local unions, area businesses and volunteers for their generosity to help ensure needy families in Central Ohio have a joyous holiday season.