The United Way and the AFL-CIO share core values that are at the center of the organizations’ long partnership, United Way of Tarrant County CEO Tim McKinney told delegates at the recent Texas AFL-CIO convention.

The AFL-CIO constitution states that work is what we do to better ourselves, to build dreams and to support our families. But it says work is more than that. Work cures, creates, builds, innovates and shapes the future. Work connects us all. These are very powerful words and United Way shares this value.

Last Saturday, the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, the United Way and other organizations teamed up for the eighth annual "Back-to-School Free Haircut Day" at the Pfeiffer-Burleigh School playground in Erie County. Nearly 800 children attended, according to Ron Oliver, AFL-CIO's community services liaison for the area.  Nearly all of the volunteers and funds to run the event were provided by the AFL-CIO and its affiliates. Children were given free haircuts, a free backpack and free food. Games and activities also were held to make the event even more fun for the children and families who participated.

While recovery operations continue in Moore, Okla., after one of the worst and deadliest tornadoes on record, relief efforts are still underway. The Oklahoma State AFL-CIO and central labor council community service liaisons are working through the United Way.  

UPDATE: The death toll from the Moore tornado has been revised downward and stands at 24 as of noon today. But officials say they expect it to increase as rescue workers search the wreckage. 

While rescue operations continue in Moore, Okla., after one of the worst and deadliest tornadoes on record that has claimed more than 50 lives, with the toll expected to climb, relief efforts are being organized. The Oklahoma State AFL-CIO and central labor council community service liaisons are working through the United Way. 

What youngster hasn’t had a thought or two about being a firefighter? And in a world where role models are sometimes hard to find, what kid doesn’t look up to the men and women who put their lives on the line, almost every day?

Recently in Erie, Pa., members of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 293 and Engine 8, 4th Platoon of the Erie Fire Department, hosted an open house for several dozen grade school students.

In case you missed it, "A Wider World," a PBS TV show, is replaying a segment highlighting the work of union volunteers and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan on the Ray West Memorial Ramp Project. 

Check out the video above, and check your local PBS listings for times the segment will air in your area. 

"A Wider World" focuses on inspirational tales, stigma busting, cutting-edge treatment options and assisting technology, veterans issues, sports and other stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the abilities of all.

Union members are working to keep area residents warm this winter with Brown County United Way and the Greater Green Bay Labor Council Community Services Committee. The two groups are hosting the second annual Blanketing Brown County drive, collecting new and gently used blankets for distribution to area shelters and agencies. Blanketing Brown County begins today and continues through Jan. 29.

New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech and New Jersey State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan send us this update on Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts. 

The UAW in Atlantic City has thousands of members who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. In addition to sustaining major property losses, our brothers and sisters have had their hours cut because of the devastation to the casino industry. The critical message to our members is that they are not in this alone. Various recovery resources are available, and we will do everything to get them the help they need as soon as possible.

More than 10,000 Angelenos, including members of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor’s “Team Homeless Heroes,” took part in the United Way’s 2012 HomeWalk 5K Run/Walk Nov. 17 to raise funds to combat homelessness in the Los Angeles area. The more than 500 members of Team Homeless Heroes are from Los Angeles unions and the team is organized by the L.A. Fed’s AFL-CIO Community Services/United Way partnership. It focuses on the men and women who served our country and who are now facing homelessness. 

While the election and other stories have taken Superstorm Sandy out of the headlines, millions of Americans who were in the storm's path are still in need of assistance. Don't let the the short attention span of the news cycle delay necessary aid to those whose lives have been permanently altered.