TROY — The Rensselaer County Local recently collected more than 450 cake mixes and frosting to donate to the Oakwood Community Center’s emergency food pantry.
Local officers collected donations from CSEA members throughout the county, and placed collection bins in break rooms at Troy City Hall. CSEA staff based in our union’s Latham offices, including the Capital Region, Employee Benefit Fund and Health Benefits Department, also donated. Local officers and activists, along with Capital Region President Ron Briggs, dropped the donations off days before Thanksgiving.
Dan Oropallo, food pantry coordinator at Oakwood Community Center, was thrilled to receive the supply, noting that needs for local families right now are “astronomical” due to higher demand and supply issues that have made it more difficult for the pantry to remain stocked. He added that the pantry supplies three days worth of food for families up to twice a month.
“The emergency pantry is here for times when a family has to choose between food or utilities or other expenses,” said Orapallo. “Sometimes, people just need a little help to bridge the gap. The donations are a huge help.”
The Rensselaer County Local also participated in a Toys for Tots collection for the holiday season.
“Since we serve our community in our daily work, we have become sensitive to the needs of those most affected by the pandemic and the economic struggles,” said Rensselaer County Local President Marnie Rounds. “We wanted to get involved in charities that would directly benefit those families in our community that are struggling to provide for their families during these trying times. We are blessed by our many benefits afforded us through our union contracts and we wanted to give back to the community that supports us and show them our appreciation.”
— Therese Assalian
Above, shown with just a few of the donations, from left to right, are City of Troy Unit member Angelina Apindem, City of Troy Unit Secretary Dave Badgley, Capital Region President Ron Briggs, Rensselaer County Local Treasurer Latasha Gardner and Rensselaer County Local President Marnie Rounds.
