ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – This week, union members in Delta County are fundraising to get food in the hands of those who need it most.
The United Steelworkers Women of Steel hit the picket line bright and early Thursday morning. They set up tables and waved signs to customers in front of Elmer’s County Market. However, their “strike” is actually a fundraising effort for those in need.
“We’re here collecting monetary donations and canned goods for our local food pantries, The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul, here in Escanaba,” explained Women of Steel Coordinator Donna Dams.
It’s the Strike for Hunger, where picketers call on shoppers to do their part to combat food insecurity.
“With the prices of everything going up, we know that there’s a lot of families struggling and that a lot of people need help,” Dams said. “We like to give back to our communities, so we’re out here and trying to help them out.”
The Strike for Hunger has been going strong for about a decade. Last year, the Women of Steel brought in nearly $16,000 and about 1,700 pounds of food.
“We always hope that it’s better than what we’ve gotten years before, but whatever donations we get we appreciate,” said Dams. “No donation is too small.”
The Strike for Hunger continues Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Women of Steel are also picketing in Gladstone at Pat’s Foods.
“Here at Elmer’s tomorrow, besides doing this, we’ll have our brat sale going on,” Dams said. “They also have a backroom sale going on here today and tomorrow, so we’re hoping we’ll get a lot of people.”
Whether it’s a cash donation or a bag of non-perishable food or personal care products, Dams says there are plenty of ways and opportunities to give.
“This is actually our biggest fundraiser of the year, so it’s just one of our ways USW local union brothers and sisters like to give back to our community,” she said. “We just hope to see a lot of people come down and help out our friends in need.”
Elmer’s County Market is located at 412 North Lincoln Road. Pat’s Foods is located at 409 North 9th Street.
