Community Services Committee
of the South Central Federation of Labor

A Powerful Link for Community Services

The South Central Federation of Labor supports community services. We cannot advance the personal and social well-being of our members without working for strong communities. Affordable housing, good schools, adequate health care and meaningful social support programs are key to having a better society.

Activities for 2008

AFL-CIO Community Services Conference, Feb 28 - March 1, Manitowoc
Letter Carriers Food Drive - May 10
Paint-A-Thon - August 23
Labor Day, September 1 - Community Building
United Way Campaign Kickoff - September 15
Holiday Collection - December's SCFL Delegate Meeting

The Community Services Committee meets quarterly on the first Thursday's in February, May, August and November. Meetings are help at the Anderson United Way Building, 2059 Atwood Avenue and begin at 5:30 pm.

IBEW L.159 Exceeds Goal of Blood Drive

(Union Labor News, December 2007) – IBEW Local Union 159 in collaboration with the South Central Federation of Labor and the American Red Cross sponsored a Blood Drive November 8 at the Madison Labor Temple.

The Drive collected 35 units of blood, far surpassing the goal of 25 units. Fourteen were first-time donors. So many people showed up to donate, the Red Cross staff were swamped and the wait was sometimes long.

The inspiration for the blood drive is longtime IBEW Local 159 member, Dave Johnson, who has been battling leukemia for the past year.

During chemotherapy the body is unable to produce its own blood and platelets, so transfusions made possible by many generous donors make the life-saving difference. As Johnson continues chemotherapy, he may benefit directly from fellow IBEW members' generosity.

Johnson credits blood donors' generosity for his being alive today and able to look forward to another holiday season. "There's no way I would have survived without it,” he said.

Many who attended had a chance to visit with Dave and his wife Carol who celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary this year. Johnson's leukemia is in remission, and he is receiving low level chemo to help keep the disease at bay. He hopes to return to work in January. Carol, a veteran blood donor, rolled up her sleeve to help the cause. Both were touched by the support they’ve received from Local 159 during Johnson’s illness.

Over cookies and juice, first time donor Tricia Brein joked, “This was our idea of a fun night out.” Her husband, electrician Dan Brein, added they’d always wanted to give, but never had the opportunity to do it. The Labor Temple was a convenient location for both and the afterwork hours made donating "super convenient.”

“This is labor’s way of helping keep the local blood supply stocked for Dave and others in need,” said Mark Hoffmann, business manager of IBEW Local Union 159. “This is one of the ways our members make a difference in the community.”

IBEW Local 159 represents approximately 1000 electricians, who are currently staffing numerous construction projects in Dane County and the surrounding area.