1978-02 February IBEW Journal.pdf - International Brotherhood of ...

Fund At I. O. Prauides Assistam:e Ta Yaung And Old
An overall view of the clothing for
children and elderly persons, dolts,
toys, and other gifts provided through
contributions to the Marie V. Downey
Memorial Charities rund 8t the 10 .
A close-up view of the
gaily-wrapped toys
and the dolls whose
outfits were made or
purchased by
employees and $taft'
members of the 1.0.
• The Christmas holiday season at the
International Office always evokes cxpressive
"ohs" and "abs" as the emplo),­
ees and staff members view Ihc an nual
display of dolls, 10ys, clothing, and olher
itcrn~ I'ruviJcd (ur IlccJy yUUl l 8~ l crs and
elderly persons by Ihc Marie V. Downey
Memorial C harities Fund. Throughout
Ihco year, employees (members of the
Office and Proressional Employees International
Union). 1.0 , staff members, and
other kindhearted contributors make donations
to the fund in order to help those
who arc in need.
This year, more than $7-thousand was
spent on complete outfits of clothing,
toys, and other giflS for 48 children and
15 of the elderly; finnnei:ll ns.\iSI:lnCe 10
eight individuals and families who were
in need: blankets to ward off the cold of
winter for those who had none; and
donntions to charitable organizations that
provide shelter, food. and medical care
for those children and elderly who cannot
afTord..such care themselyes_
In addition, the emplOYees, staff members,
and their fam:lies gave of their owo
time, talenu, and matenals to crochet
and knit lap robes, Iohawls. foot warmers,
and afghans for old folks; they bought
and wrapped 89 gifts for (oster children
whose foster parents could not afford
Christmas presents; and they bought,
hand .~ewed, knit, or crocheted outfits
for 48 dolls to be distributed by the
Salvation Army to little girls who would
ot herwise have no dolls. They also gave
of their time to shop for all the clothing,
toys, and personal items that were distributed
afler the display at the 1.0.
The Marie V. Downey Memorial Chari­
IiCS I-und is named in memory of the
laIC International Representative who had
begun the fund at the 1.0. many years
ago. She died in 1968. Since then, more
than $40-lhousand has been spent in
assisting those who have been less fortunate
than the donors.
62 I teEW Joulnol