Calendar of Events
United Way California Capital Region AFL-CIO Community Partnership Programs
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.
Non-Profit Agency Toilet Paper Drive
Every year local unions are asked to participate in the annual
non-profit agency Toilet Paper Drive. Local Unions set-up
collection sites in their facilities, and ask their members to
donate. Every year our local unions provide a majority of
all the toilet paper raised through this annual drive.
OCTOBER:
9th Annual Tom Lawson Golf Tournament
This annual fundraising golf tournament, named after former Labor
Liaison Tom Lawson, is an opportunity for local unions and the
organized labor community to support the United Way through
sponsorship and participation.
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.