Niagara Orleans Labor Council spreads holiday cheer, adopts 27 families through Community Missions 'Holiday Help' program

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The Niagara Orleans Labor Council continued its commitment to supporting local families during the holiday season. Partnering with its affiliates, the organization adopted 27 families through Community Missions of Niagara Frontier’s “Holiday Help” program, ensuring that children and parents alike experience the joy of the season. This is in addition to helping the Salvation Army of Niagara Falls and military members at the Niagara Falls Airbase. In all, 38 families will now have a brighter holiday.

Members of the Niagara Orleans Labor Council gathered at Community Missions on Wednesday to deliver gifts and celebrate the collective generosity and solidarity of the labor community.

“The holidays are about giving, and our affiliates have shown tremendous compassion by making sure these families feel cared for and supported,” said Jim Briggs, president of Niagara Orleans Central Labor Council. “This effort reflects the true spirit of labor – standing together to lift up our community.”

The Niagara Orleans Labor Council has a long tradition of community involvement, and this year’s initiative highlights the power of collective action. By joining forces, affiliates have provided not only gifts but also hope and encouragement to families facing challenges during the holiday season.

Affiliates that participated this year include USW 6992, 4-00277, IBEW 237, Lockport Education Association, SEIU 1119, CWA 1115, CWA 1168, Niagara Falls Teachers Association, Iron Workers Local 9, IBEW 2104, UAW 686, Great Lakes Iron (Owned by IW Local 9 member) as well as the Niagara Orleans Central Labor Council itself.

Niagara Orleans Labor Council and its partners again gave back to the community this holiday season. (Images courtesy of Niagara Orleans Labor Council)

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AFL-CIO Labor Liaison to the United Way of Greater Niagara Beth A. Pyskaty said, “As a labor council, we have both public and private sector affiliates all working together. We have been running this program for over a decade. This year saw a huge increase in participation because we all realized that there is more need than ever. In all, our affiliates provided close to $10,000 worth of gifts, food gift cards, and food to our adopted families.

“I am proud to be a member of organized labor and stand with my union siblings to support the community in which we live and work. We have a rich history of philanthropy. One of the biggest fundraisers for the United Way Greater Niagara is organized by the Niagara Orleans Labor Council – ‘Labor’s Night at the Races.’ We have been holding this event for 17 years and it gets bigger every year. Last year, we raised just shy of $25,000 for UWGN. We are already planning for the 2026 event to be held June 12, 2026.”

The Niagara Orleans Labor Council is one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils of the AFL-CIO and is the heart of the labor movement. Democratically elected, it represents the interests of working people at the state and local level, mobilizing members and community partners to advocate for social and economic justice.

Niagara Orleans Labor Council and its partners again gave back to the community this holiday season. (Images courtesy of Niagara Orleans Labor Council)