More than 150 volunteers from IAM Local 701 gathered on Feb. 28 to participate in the IAM H.E.L.P.S. community service event at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, Illinois.
The annual effort highlights the union’s commitment to supporting those in need and fostering solidarity among its members and their families.
Participants included business representatives, executive board members, instructors and staff from the Apprenticeship Training Center, personnel from Health, Welfare and Pension Departments, as well as union members and their families. Together they packaged 180 boxes of meals—enough to provide daily nutrition for 107 children for an entire year.
“When IAM members step up to serve their communities, it reflects the very best of our union,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “The work done here through IAM H.E.L.P.S. is a powerful reminder that our strength isn’t just on the job, but it’s in how we lift up others and make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Feed My Starving Children is an international nonprofit focused on addressing global malnutrition by providing scientifically developed meals to improve children’s health worldwide.
“This event highlighted the strength and pride of the membership,” said Local 701 Organizer Mike Wendling. “Volunteers filling the room in IAM H.E.L.P.S. shirts while working together to make a difference was a powerful visual.”
“Volunteering alongside fellow members strengthens bonds within the local while extending meaningful support to children worldwide,” said IAM 701 Directing Business Representative Mark Grasseschi.
Through initiatives like this one, IAM Local 701 continues its tradition of extending solidarity beyond workplaces into broader communities around the world.
