ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – During Escanaba’s Labor Day celebration, the Michigan Education Association (MEA) collected school supplies for students throughout the Upper Peninsula.
MEA members walked in the parade and set up a table at the Municipal Park carrying open, empty backpacks. Attendees were encouraged to bring pencils, erasers, crayons, and other items students need to fill the backpacks.
MEA Field Assistant Maggie Pomeroy says educators make up an essential union both in Michigan and across the United States that is often overlooked.
“We are not a typical union in the sense that you think of the skilled trades,” said Pomeroy. “Educators are longtime union members. The MEA is the largest public employee union in the state and the NEA, of which we are a part, is the largest union in the country. We were really excited to be a part of a union event. It’s not something that people remember to invite us to all the time, so we’re happy to be here.”
All supplies will be donated to the U.P. Foster Closet.
“They are greatly in need and they’re a terrific organization,” Pomeroy said. “They service people all over the Upper Peninsula, so we know it’s going to get where it needs to go.”
Anyone interested in donating supplies can visit the MEA office at 10467 South Main Street in Rapid River or contact Pomeroy by phone at (906) 474-2108. To learn more about the Michigan Education Association, click here.
