No Child Gets Left Behind Human Rights Project

This summer, CWA District 2-13’s Human Rights Committee initiated their “No Child Gets Left Behind” project to donate luggage to children in the foster care system. All too often, children use garbage or plastic bags to move their belongings to the homes of their foster families. The District set a goal to give children luggage so that they know they matter and are cared for.  

CWA Local 13500 in Pennsylvania kicked off the drive in early July with their donation.

Pictured left to right: Jen Gromek, Jennifer Szpara, and Kathy Short.

Photo: Chuck Simpson

In Virginia, members of the Human Rights Committee, with the support of CWA Local 2204 members and retirees, were able to distribute a total of 95 pieces of luggage to various foster care systems in their area.  

On July 14, Daisy Ellerbee, CWA Local 13000 – Unit 34 President, delivered the Local’s donations of rolling suitcases to Children and Youth of Monroe County PA Foster Care Unit. Daisy met with Sandra Dee of the organization and shared how truly thankful they were for the complete restocking of suitcases for the children in their care.

Local 13000's Daisy Ellerbee (left) and Children and Youth of Monroe County PA Foster Care Unit's Sandra Dee (right).

In Maryland, AFA-CWA Council 21 collected and distributed luggage to the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services. 

Pictured left to right: AFA Council 21’s member/volunteer Brigid Corey, CWA Local 2336’s President and District 2-13 Women’s Committee Rep/National Human Rights Rep Melissa Smith-Kupihea, Council 21 President Chip Lowe, and Council 21 Representative Tyler Andrews.

Officers from Locals 13000 and 13500 were joined by District 2-13 Staff from the Pittsburgh office to drop off nearly 100 pieces of luggage, backpacks, and duffel bags to “A Second Chance” Agency.

Pictured left to right: Gregg Bialek (Local 13000 Western Region VP), Jon Remington (District 2-13 Staff Rep), Shayna Morford (District 2-13 Support Staff), Jennifer Szpara (Local 13500 Western Division VP), Cindy Neumeyer (Local 13500 President), Jen Gromek (Local 13500 Western Division Secretary-Treasurer), and Kathy Short (Local 13500 Executive Secretary-Treasurer).

On July 23, Philadelphia City Majority Leader/Councilmember At-Large Katherine Gilmore Richardson coordinated with CWA Local 13000 President/Local 13000 Human Rights Committee leader Jim Gardler and Executive VP Jeff Reamer donate luggage to the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. 

Read the full Press Release here:

CWA Local 2001 and Staff from the District 2-13 office in WV distributed luggage, bags, and backpacks to two Charleston agencies that work statewide with children and young adults in the foster system: FPC Hope Center and Daymark. 

District 2-13 is so grateful to everyone who donated, collected, organized, and distributed luggage for the children in our community. Thank you for making this summer’s project a success!