Local Union, Lisle Trustee Help Kids Who Rely On School Lunches

CHICAGO, IL — A day after Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that all Illinois schools would temporarily close due to coronavirus concerns, a local news union and Chicago-area trustee were hard at work helping to pack lunches for school children whose families face financial hardships. School closures have an impact on families who are food insecure and whose children may depend on school meals.

Members from the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Unified Council of Illinois spent Saturday helping box food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The volunteers were joined by CWA Unified Council of Illinois President Raza Siddiqui's wife, Lisle Trustee Sara Sadat, to help pack the lunches. Sylvia Chapman, President of CWA Local 4250 and District 4 staff representative Celia Cody were also there to lend a hand.

In a statement, Siddiqui said, "These ladies really exhibit women empowerment and demonstrate what women’s month really is about."

In total, Siddiqui said the Greater Chicago Food Depository packaged 25,042 meals for people in need throughout the community, making it roughly 483 meals packaged per volunteer.

Addressing the issue of helping others in this time of need, Siddiqui commented, "Now is the time for us to come together and be here for one another as a community."