More $$ desperately needed; please donate TODAY

St. Louis - The generosity of St. Louis union families has soared past $100,000 in the St. Louis Labor Council's '$5 for the Fight' campaign to aid union families laid off due to the slumping economy.

to date, the $5 for the Fight Fund has paid out $92,713 to help 230 union families with everything from utility payments, rent and mortgage payments, medicine, auto repairs, and much more, reports Marcia Cline, United Way Labor liasion who is monitoring the program for the Labor Council to ensure monies are properly spent. The United Way has supplemented the fund with assistance to another 300 families from other United Eay funds or referrals to agencies that can provide financial aid or help for special needs. And yet hundreds of requests go unanswered because of the limited resources available.

"So many who call are actually embarrassed to ask for help," Cline told the Labor Council's executive board. "The first question they ask: 'How can I pay it back?'" Cline said. "It's heartbreaking to hear their stories."

READERS RESPOND

Your response to earlier appeals has been heartwarming:

One donor, a painter, himself out of work, sent $25 from his unemployment check with a note, "You folks helped my family last year when I really was behind on rent. I don't forget ever when people are good to me."

A retired elevator constructor noted: "thanks to a strong union, my husband has a good pension and retirement benefits. We realize we are fortunate indeed. Here's our check for $50 to help those out-of-work."

A retired sprinkler fitter pensioner sent their medical reimbursement check with a not: "(Union) helps pensioners with medical costs...I'm forwarding this check (his medical reimbursement) to help all union families."

WORKERS STILL NEED HELP

In one case recently helped, both the mom and dad lost their jobs, then a son with a wife and two children lost his job, then their sister lost her job. They all moved in together. but they had no money to pay the heating bill in the recent bout of severe weather. The Fight Fund got them heat and helped prevent a foreclosure on the home housing all three families.

While there is only $27,000 left in the Fight Fund, union families needing help are urged to contact their local union who in turn will get the ball rolling with the Labor Council and the United Way. "We're confident our members and Labor Tribune readers will respond with more aid," Council President Robert Soutier said.

The Labor Tribune campaign with the St. Louis Blues raised $2,550 in a promotion that gave away four sets of Blues tickets worth $225 per paid in a raffle for a minimum $10 donation to the Fight Fund.

Union members still working are urged to extend yet another helping hand by making a donation of any size to "$5 for the Fight" and mail it to the St. Louis Labor Council, 3301 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044.