The St. Paul Regional Labor Federation takes up two collections each year as part of the Jean Jones Initiative. Named after a former St. Paul teacher and union leader, the collections are used to purchase school supplies and winter gear for students in need, especially those whose families are struggling with homelessness.

The 2019 winter coat drive raised over $1,825. The money was used to purchase coats, mittens, gloves, socks and hats, which were dropped off at the St. Paul Public Schools’ offices last month.

But the coat drive’s impact stretched even further this year, thanks to one of the St. Paul RLF’s affiliates. Pipefitters-Steamfitters Local 455 set up a collection site at the union’s training center and meeting hall, and encouraged members to donate new and slightly used coats for the Jean Jones Initiative.

“The members of Local 455 took our coat drive and ran with it this year, and it was great to see,” said Lynne Larkin-Wright, an AFL-CIO Community Services liaison who works for the St. Paul RLF’s nonprofit arm, the St. Paul Labor Studies and Resource Center. “From all of us at the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation, thank you to everyone who contributed.”

Labor of Love

Additionally, the St. Paul LSRC’s annual Labor of Love – Sponsor a Family holiday initiative raised over $8,300 in 2019. Proceeds were used to purchase gift cards from union grocers, and distributed to local nonprofit agencies that support families in need.

Thanks to everyone who supported these annual giving traditions!