AFL-CIO Community Services Director Will Fischer describes union volunteer efforts in Kenosha, Wis., to collect clothes for those in need.

United Way of Kenosha County (Wis.) recently wrapped up its “Bare Necessities Drive”  which included participation of 20 area businesses and unions that aided 13 nonprofit care agencies in the community.

The Bare Necessities Drive originated in 2010 and helps provide undergarments for men, women and children. This year, volunteers from various schools, organizations and unions helped in pick up donated collection barrels and filled a school bus with more than 3,100 new socks, underwear, and pajamas.

Volunteers also sorted and distributed the clothing items at UAW Local 72’s Hall, which the union offered for use throughout the event.

AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison Dale Seianas thanked United Way’s Day of Action Committee for its expertise in making this year’s event such a success.

As AFL-CIO Community Services Liaisons, our role is to serve the entire community and promote the efforts and deeds of labor in helping build and bond relationships in those communities. Whether the building trades are providing and installing a scoreboard for the girl’s high school baseball team or helping serve meals at the soup kitchen, the fact is that labor is and always will be a major part of any community’s success story.