MIAMI, Florida,
The TWU honored Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. today through action: packaging and delivering boxes of supplies for the homeless in Miami.
TWU locals across the country donated toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products, and other items for hundreds of individuals and families now temporarily housed at two facilities operated by the Chapman Partnership, a charitable organization. One is in Miami, and the other is in Homestead, Florida.
“Community service is important,” TWU International Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate said at a Miami hotel where the union group gathered to pack items into boxes before delivering them by van. “As Dr King said, it’s about service. It’s about giving back. It’s about uplifting each other. And at the TWU, we strongly believe in that.”
The International is also giving a $5,000 check to the Chapman Partnership, Tate announced.
The Chapman Partnership offers a range of services to empower the homeless and help them regain stability. These include job training, dental and medical care through on-site clinics, tutoring for children, and even a dog kennel. The latter acknowledges the strong bond people share with their pets. Some members of the homeless community refuse services that require separation from their beloved dogs.
TWU volunteers also packaged candy to hand out to kids as they march Monday in Miami’s 49th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.
The community service and other MLK weekend events were organized by the TWU’s Civil and Human Rights Department: Director Shirley Duff and members Greg Cosey, Local 513 president; Andrew Rangolan, Local 570 vice president, Thom McDaniel, TWU International staff; Jose Garlarza, International staff; Derek Moore, Local 502; Bobby Cifarelli, Local 2055 president; Reese Price, Local 2014; Tony Crapio, Local 2055; Cassandra Gilbert, International staff rep.; Will Vera, Local 234. Miami-based TWU Local 291 also played a big role, helping out with logistics and other tasks for the charitable event and a union cookout Saturday afternoon.
“This weekend is more than a celebration,” Local 291 President Joseph D’Elia said. “It’s a call to action. Dr King taught us that progress is never guaranteed. It takes courage, unity, and relentless determination.”