Organization donates money, time and resources to local effort
(LANSING, Mich.) — Members from IBEW Local 665 and NECA Lansing Division pitched in to help with Tri-County TRIAD’s No Senior Without Christmas project at Lansing’s Fire Station #8 on Dec. 6.
The annual program provides boxes of household supplies, non-perishable food and holiday cheer to 350 impoverished seniors living in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties.
In addition to sending members to help stuff boxes, IBEW 665 and NECA Lansing Division donated funds and provided vests for volunteers.
Traci Ruiz, owner of Ruiz Consultants, who co-chairs “No Senior without Christmas” along with Erica Bishop, thanked IBEW and NECA for the vests and thanked all of the volunteers for getting up so early to help with the effort.
Noting that there are many seniors on this year’s list who haven’t received gifts or visits in as many as seven years, Ruiz said: “I hope you know that the fruits of your labor do not go unnoticed.”
“The stories that I heard today tugged at my heart,” said IBEW 665 Business Manager Tom Eastwood. “We believe a community grows stronger when we serve and uplift each other, and there are seniors right here in our neighborhoods who are in desperate need of help around the holiday season.”
Each box is worth about $70 and contains items donated by local business, organizations and community members. Uniformed law enforcement officers and fire personnel home deliver all 350 boxes.
“The holiday season is all about giving back to those around you and spreading holiday cheer,” said NECA Michigan Chapter Assistant Manager Bryan Benton. “We’re grateful to Tri-County TRIAD for providing this opportunity to help those in need.”