A message to the Library of Congress community
Dear LC friends and colleagues,
We once again invite you to join us in an important fundraising effort. The pandemic continues, and it may be January of 2022, or longer, before all food service workers at the Library of Congress are called back to work. All but a few remain laid off at this time.
Last November, the Guild and its members—and all LC staff—rallied to help our food service colleagues through the financial hardships caused by COVID-19 layoffs. Together, in just a few short weeks, we raised an amazing $62,000! We remain happily astonished by your generosity! Once the money was raised, UNITE HERE Local 23 (representing LC food service workers) distributed the funds among the 29 affected staff members, just in time for the holidays.
Well, what do you say we gear up and do that again?
The COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting effects have stretched out longer than most of us imagined. Meanwhile, pandemic unemployment assistance benefits have ended, and the financial need of our laid off colleagues is real. As before, your contributions will go directly into a special fund set up by UNITE HERE Local 23, who will distribute debit cards directly to the affected food service staff members.
Your window to donate this year will extend from November 1 through November 19. Please contribute today!
Also, as we did last year, the Guild will make the first donation of $500. Thereafter, the Guild will match each donation dollar for dollar, up to $3000. We offer these funds in lieu of our usual holiday luncheon party, to those who need it more.
The Guild remains in touch with Willie Price, the UNITE HERE Local 23 Shop Steward for the LC food service workers. She and her coworkers are very grateful for the financial assistance we provided them last year.
Left: David Fernández-Barrial (Guild) and Willie Price (UNITE HERE Local 23), October 2020
Right: Jackie Coleburn (Guild) and Willie Price (UNITE HERE Local 23), December 2020
Please join with the Guild to assist the staff who have been feeding us for years during this time of ongoing need! If we all pitch in, we can make a real difference to the lives of our friends and coworkers.
>> Click here << for the donation page created by UNITE HERE Local 23 for the Library’s food service workers.
Please Note: The Guild is organizing the effort, but you do not need to be a member to participate. Anyone can donate! Please spread the word about this effort throughout the Library, and encourage your coworkers to join in this worthy cause.
In solidarity,
The Guild Executive Board
