JANUARY-APRIL

Free Income Tax Assistance Program Canvasses (VITA)
Labor Union representatives & members canvas the neighborhoods surrounding Super Saturday Free Tax Prep sites one week preceding the community event, leaving flyers on doorsteps letting the community know of this tremendous money saving opportunity.

MARCH

AFL-CIO/United Way Community Partnership Breakfast
Every Spring the United Way California Capital Region hosts the annual AFL-CIO Community Partnership Breakfast to highlight the ways that Local Unions can partner with the United Way California Capital Region in the community through the Square One Project and other programs.  Awards are given to outstanding Community Partnership advocates.

“Union Team Donate” Campaign
We kick-off the annual “Union Team Donate” Campaign at the Community Partnership Breakfast every year.  The Union Team Donate Campaign was created for those Union Members who want to support  United Way California Capital Region if their employer does not have a workplace giving campaign. 

MAY

National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive
This is the Nation’s Largest “One Day” Food Drive, and our Local NALC Branch 133 plays a key role in the success of the program in the Sacramento Region.  Local Unions across the Region host a collection sites in their Union facility or Apprenticeship Center and encourage members to participate.

JUNE

Feminine Hygiene Product Drive
Local Unions host an annual Feminine Hygiene Product Drive. These products are handed out to the female clientele of Loaves & Fishes at the conclusion of our annual Labor Day Lunch Preparation & Serving program during our annual toiletry item giveaway

JULY

California State Fair Community Services Booth
For over 40 years Local Unions adopt a day in the AFL-CIO State Fair Booth at the California State Fair to highlight their Local Union, its pertinent issues, and employment/apprenticeship opportunities.

AUGUST

“Our Promise” Campaign Kick-off Event    
State Employees are encouraged to participate in the annual “Our Promise” Campaign Kick-off on the grounds of the California State Capitol to engage with non-profit agencies in the region about their great programs and the various ways that the donors can lend their financial support.

SEPTEMBER

Labor Day Loaves & Fishes Volunteer Program
For over 40 years the organized labor community & elected officials have come together to prepare and serve a special holiday lunch to the clients of Loaves & Fishes. All of the food is donated, prepared and served by Local Unions and their volunteers.  Toiletry items are also distributed to the clients of Loaves & Fishes as a result of the annual AFL-CIO Travel Toiletry Program.

OCTOBER

Holiday Canned Food Drive Kickoff
The annual Holiday Food Drive kicks off every October. Local unions setup collection barrels in their facilities, and ask their officers, staff and rank and file members to donate non-perishable food items.  This Drive provides food product for the AFL-CIO Operation Christmas Basket program and helps to re-stock the AFL-CIO Food Closet, known as “Tom’s Closet.”

Operation Christmas Basket Program Kick-off
Notices are sent out to out to local unions to compile a list of 8-10 members families in need, The Sacramento Central Labor Council provides them with a complete Christmas dinner, pantry items, and age-appropriate toys for their children a few days prior to the holiday.

NOVEMBER

Veteran’s Day Volunteer Project
The organized labor community and union members come together every November to help spruce up a local VFW or American Veterans post in the region.

DECEMBER

State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Every year, California’s Governor calls the Sacramento Central Labor Council to provide “Union” Santa Claus for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at the State Capitol.

Holiday Canned Food Drive Sort & Date Activity
At the conclusion of the annual Holiday Food Drive, volunteers gather at the Labor Council to go through all of the collection barrels and check the donated food product for expiration dates. Volunteers sort the food product for the annual Operation Christmas Basket distribution the following week.    

Starr King Elementary School Christmas Party       
For over 40 years, the Sacramento Central Labor Council hosts a holiday party for the children at the Ralph Richardson Center on the campus of Starr King Elementary School. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the venue in a fire truck with lights and sirens to the excitement of the children assembled.  Christmas carols are performed by each class, and at the conclusion each child gets to meet Santa and then receives a large stuffed animal. 

Operation Christmas Basket Distribution
Union Representatives arrive at the United Way California Capital Region office very early with their list of their Local Union’s Families and shop for all the fixings for a complete Christmas Dinner (turkey included), some items for their pantry, and age-appropriate toys for their listed families’ children.  The Union Representatives then deliver all of the above mentioned items to their Local Union’s listed families.