October 26, 2007

Dear PASS Members:

This week in Southern California, wildfires have adversely affected thousands, forcing many to evacuate their homes, moving themselves and their families to safety. At times like this, it is especially important for union members to support their brothers and sisters. Union members in Southern California will need our assistance and a union-wide display of solidarity and support.

CA1 President Joan Matthiesen has been researching options to help PASS members who may be in need of assistance and heard about the efforts of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council (SDICLC), which has been working to locate union families in need. To date, the SDICLC has identified several who have lost their homes and they expect this number to rise as families are allowed to re-enter their neighborhoods. The SDICLC has teamed up with the United Way to help these families immediately by offering hotel rooms, vouchers for food and credit cards for essentials. By contributing to the SDICLC and United Way, PASS members will not only be helping fellow PASS members but other union families impacted as well. In order to expedite the process, the SDICLC is working with a Red Cross liaison and together they are identifying the local union members in need of immediate assistance.

Any PASS member interested in helping your union brothers and sisters in Southern California can make a donation in the form of cash or a check made payable to:

United Way Labor Participation Office
4305 University Avenue, Suite 340
San Diego, CA 92105

In addition to monetary donations, the SDICLC is also requesting canned foods, diapers or formula, new/packaged personal items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, soap, etc.), and new/packaged toys or games. These items can be delivered to:

SDICLC Labor Participation Office
3737 Camino del Rio South, #106
San Diego, CA 92108
619-641-0074
Wednesday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Union members in need of immediate help are urged to contact the Red Cross hotline at 866-GET-INFO (866-438-4636) and the FEMA hotline at 800-621-3362. The SDICLC is also offering assistance to union families in need.  Please contact Joan Matthiesen at 858-486-1044 (office) 858-663-8571 (cell) or the SDCLC Labor Participation Department at 619-641-0074 for more information.

Your donations and continued thoughts will be greatly appreciated by our brothers and sisters in need in Southern California.

Fraternally,

Tom Brantley
PASS National President