Helping Hands
Local 1561 members extend theirs to disabled children
Recently John Scamon, executive director of the Helping Hands Society of Hazelton, Pa., sent Region 9 a letter of recognition on behalf of Jim Vilcko, president of Local 1561, and his membership in West Hazelton.
The Nine Line wanted to share these comments with everyone in Region 9 as a way of drawing attention to all our members who express the UAW’s philosophy of social unionism by what they do for their communities. We in the UAW want to create better workplaces, and we want to create a better society, too.
“Jim Vilcko has been a Helping Hands Society volunteer for over 10 years. Jim has been one of the society’s most reliable and hardest working volunteers. There hasn’t been one instance that we are aware of where he has refused to help when asked. In some cases, he gave up personal commitments to help the Society with its special events.”
Scamon went on to say that Jim, along with Len Gibson, financial secretary of Local 1561, helped get UAW members from All Steel Inc. involved in supporting many of Helping Hands’ special events.
These events include an annual telethon and several golf tournaments and donating time at the Helping Hands Playland. “Local 1561 members gave from their hearts to help provide specially needed equipment for our playland,” Scamon said.
The Helping Hands Society has provided services and programs for disabled children since 1927. The society provides services regardless of what disabilities a child may have.
Scamon concluded his letter by saying, “The Helping Hands Society is privileged to have Jim Vilcko as a member of the Helping Hands family, as well as the dedicated support of many of Local 1561’s members.”
