Union Workers Donate Gifts For Out-Of-Work Union Members

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The holidays are not always a joyous time, especially for those who are out of work or unable to work because of disabilities.

In addition, union leaders say the need will be great this year because of labor issues in southwestern Pennsylvania.

It's not exactly a sleigh, but a Port Authority bus is doubling as Santa's sleigh as union workers do their best to stuff the bus.

"It always is stuffed every year," Jim Blatnick with AFL-CIO said. "For the past several years, it's always stuffed, and it's great."

Affiliates of the Allegheny County Labor Council donated the gifts – and their children helped, too.

Santa was a big draw for the children, but it was the joy of giving that brought the adults.

"This year, we will probably be giving out in excess of 500 gifts to children, especially the children who are locked out at AGI in the different steel industries," said Jack Shea, president of the Allegheny County Labor Council.

"Cars lined up and truckloads," Blatnick said. "They just live for it. It's a great thing that makes them feel good. It's helping everybody in the community that are less fortunate."

And even though Christmas is still a couple weeks away, Santa couldn't resist handing out a few early presents.

Proving once again that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

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