On December 15, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 66, including representatives from Locals 21, 1030, 1115, and 2191, volunteered at the WAFER Food Pantry in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The group spent time sorting and preparing donations to support local community members in need.
“Events like this demonstrate what the IAM stands for at its core, working people helping working people,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “District 66’s commitment to serving their community through the H.E.L.P.S. program reflects the values of solidarity, dignity, and compassion that define our union.”
District 66 regularly collaborates with WAFER for IAM H.E.L.P.S. events because of WAFER’s role in supplying food and hygiene products to families across the region. In November, Local 21 organized a food drive that collected both food items and monetary donations. The Local 21 Shop Committee matched these funds with additional contributions from its own members, bringing total donations to over $600.
Following this fundraising effort, District 66 delegates decided to continue their support by volunteering directly at the pantry. More than a dozen IAM members and their family members assisted WAFER staff with tasks such as sorting donated goods into categories like “breakfast,” “sides,” “hygiene/health,” organizing canned foods for storage or shelving, and packaging bulk items for distribution.
“District 66 members didn’t just donate food and funds, they showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and worked side by side to make a difference,” said IAM District 66 Directing Business Representative Jana Kirch. “That kind of hands-on service strengthens our communities and reinforces the positive impact IAM members have beyond the workplace.”
Donations gathered during the Rotary Lights event helped replenish WAFER’s supplies ahead of winter demand. Throughout the evening volunteer shift on December 15th, a steady flow of individuals visited the pantry to select food and hygiene items.
“The individuals served represented all walks of life, families, seniors, college-aged individuals, and working people,” added Kirch. “What stood out most was the realization that these neighbors did not fit outdated stereotypes of need. They were everyday community members facing difficult choices, such as whether to buy groceries or pay heating bills.”
