It’s All Worth It

Local 1608 works year round to bring Christmas joy to needy

The 200 members of Local 1608 make flood lamps in various sizes at the Osram Sylvania plant in Winchester, Ky. But that’s not all they do.

At Christmas time every year, they light up the faces of children who probably wouldn’t have much Christmas otherwise.

President Mike Combs, a second generation UAW member, notes, “For the last 20 years we’ve been getting in touch with the social services in Winchester and nearby communities to arrange to help as many needy kids as we can.”

What started out first as just a “coat and hat” program has become clothing and a toy.

Local 1608’s women’s committee runs the program. Sandy Howard, chairperson of the committee, says, “We work all year to raise money through payroll deduction, bingo one night a month and by selling snacks in the break area. The company also donates to the program.”

The group raised $15,000 last year so 39 union members and family volunteers could take 80 children and their parents on a shopping spree.

“We gave each child around $200 to spend,” said Combs, adding that the emphasis is on warm coats, hats, gloves and a toy. “Pizza Hut donated supper, so we fed everyone, too.”

After the shopping, several men who came with their wives asked if they could raise their donations. Howard is really happy about that. “It boggles your mind how many people need help that we couldn’t help because we ran out of money this year,” she says.

“We’re proud of our program,” said Combs. “The money and good cheer stays in the communities where we live.”

“The smiles on their faces make all our hard work worth it,” adds Howard.