MEDWAY — With a check for nearly $8,000 to the Greater Boston Food Bank, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4 recently announced the newest contribution from its charitable foundation.
The donation, which was raised during the union’s Christmas Body Meeting and matched by the Local, will provide 23,000 meals to Massachusetts families.
Operating Engineers Charitable Foundation Inc. follows the Local’s long track record of supporting community and national organizations. The union has historically donated millions of dollars to organizations across Massachusetts and New England. The Charitable Foundation is another way to allow Local 4 to expand and deepen its efforts.
“We believe it is a part of our mission to stand with our neighbors and communities when they’re in need,” said Local 4 Business Manager Bill McLaughlin. “With our foundation, we plan to double down on the great work our members have been doing for the better part of a decade. This donation is very special to us because of the hunger crisis society faces today.”
Alisha Collins, director of corporate and community engagement at the Greater Boston Food Bank, noted that Local 4′s contribution will be critical in ensuring families have perishable food on their tables.
“This donation speaks volumes,” said Collins. “Local 4′s contribution will go straight to feeding thousands of families and individuals who are experiencing food insecurity and ensure that they receive fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. Support from organizations like Local 4 is what makes our work possible.”
McLaughlin was joined by Local 4 Retiree and 70-year member Ed Harrington of Weymouth and Third-Year Apprentice Nicole Shepard of Worcester to present the check. Both are active members of Local 4.
“This is just the beginning,” McLaughlin told the group.
Dozens of organizations have already received funds from Local 4′s charitable giving, including Alzheimer’s Association; ALS; Boys & Girls Clubs of Marshfield, Providence South Boston, Woburn, Dorchester, Medford/Somerville and Stoneham/Wakefield; Brigham & Women’s; Children Hospital; Community Labor United; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Edwina Martin House; Gavin House; Gosnold; Helmets to Hardhats; Jimmy Fund; Kevin Carroll Fund; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Massachusetts; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; MJW Charitable Foundation Inc.; Shriners Hospital; St. Jude’s; Susan G. Komen Foundation; and Special Olympics Massachusetts.