AFSCME Local 2218 outreach program donates toys and necessities to local families

Members work with Volunteers of America to give back ahead of Christmas holiday

Hammonton, NJ – On December 20, 2019, the outreach committee of AFSCME Local 2218 donated toys, necessities, and passed out hot chocolate and donuts to local families at the Volunteers of America location in Glassboro.

Awol Alhassan, President of Local 2218 which represents hundreds of employees at Ancora Psychiatric Facility in Hammonton, says that he formed the outreach committee to give back to the community that has given the employees so much over the years. “The essence of unions’ existence is to fight to correct injustices in our society,” said Alhassan. “To give voice and support the voiceless and the less fortunate.”

Sarah Huntley and Victoria Medley, the co-chairs of the committee, indicated that this is just the beginning and that they plan to greatly expand the outreach program. “We look forward to expanding our program and being able to reach more people than ever in the coming years,” explained Huntley. “In 2020, we will be holding three events focusing on other areas of advancing our community, and we can’t wait.”

AFSCME’s 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

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