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Union members and families fill stockings for United Way children

Union volunteers and members of their families helped pack 500 candy-filled stockings for children with special needs being serviced at four United Way agencies. Stephanie Riggsbee, granddaughter of AFGE Local 1699 president Yolanda Riggsbee, served as this year’s Honorary Youth Volunteer Chairperson. The project was dedicated in honor of recently deceased union members Tony Lavelle and Ed Dula, who annually volunteered for this project. From left, first row: Daniel Faust, Tyler Faust, Zac Faust, Kyle Gallagher, Stephanie Riggsbee, Ellen Matza and Brooke Matza. Second row: Cathy Gunning, AFGE 1699; Maureen Quinn, CWA 13000; Mary Loughlin, CWA 13000; Mary Lavelle; Danielle Lavelle; Kerri Gallagher, AFSCME D.C. 87; Charlotte Matza, AFSCME 2585; and Clara Bianco. Third row: Tina Yukenavage; Sandy Guman; Richard Guman; Chris Yukenavage, AFSCME 2585; Gil Cooney, UFCW 1776; Jim Murphy, Teamsters 401; Jan Lohmann, CWA 13571; and Sam Bianco, president, Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council. Fourth row: Yolanda Riggsbee, AFGE 1699; Warren Faust, Sheet Metal Workers 44; Alex Taffera, UNITE-HERE; Ed Harry, AFSCME D.C. 87; Dave Williams, CWA 13000; Pat Connors, Teamsters 401; Rich Shaughnessy, AFGE 1699; Jack Costello, Utility Workers 406; Ken Holley, AFSCME 1398; and Walter Klepaski, Laborers Local 130 and United Way AFL-CIO community services liaison.

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