CSEA members quick to offer a hand to Hurricane Katrina victims

As millions nationwide watched with horror the destruction and devastation in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricane Katrina, CSEA members acted quickly to help the victims of the massive storm.

Though the disaster occurred more than 2,000 miles away, members throughout California wasted no time in coordinating relief efforts and helping to ease the pain and suffering of those affected by the disaster. Troubled by the images of New Orleans following the hurricane’s wrath, San Bernardino Chapter 183 President Ken Holt and San Bernardino County Supt. of Schools Chapter 633 President Chris Sherman marched into their local American Red Cross office and volunteered to help victims of the hurricane. Within days, Holt and Sherman were on a plane to Houston to help with relief efforts.

“I just felt in my heart that this is where I was supposed to be,” Holt said by phone from Houston. “I don’t make a lot of money, so instead I figured the least I could do was to offer my labor.”

Since arriving in Houston, the two men have been working long days performing a variety of services. Holt and Sherman worked in warehouses filled with relief supplies, transported Red Cross workers to locations where there was need, and helped disaster victims locate temporary housing, food and clothing. Sherman said the work depends on the day and the need.

“We try to do as much as we can,” Sherman said, adding that he and Holt have been working 12 hour days. “At the end of the day, you’re dog tired, but you feel like you’ve accomplished something and you’ve helped people.”

Sherman said clothing and supplies are pouring into Houston and other cities where the hurricane victims were relocated. Working closely with displaced Gulf Coast residents, he said the bedraggled evacuees are grateful of the support.

“They’re thankful that people are there helping them,” Sherman said.

Holt said it’s heartbreaking to see displaced families who lost their homes and have nowhere to go, and said he is willing to do whatever is needed to help them.

“In CSEA, we’re all a big family and this is how I feel about these disaster victims —we’re all one big family, and we all need to take care of each other,” Holt said.

Sherman said his decision to donate his time to relief efforts is closely aligned with his beliefs about CSEA. As president of his chapter, Sherman said he has a willingness to see people treated right. He felt the same way watching the suffering that unfolded following the hurricane.

“Right now, these people over here can’t speak for themselves,” Sherman said. “And it’s time for other people to stand up and speak for them.”

Members who couldn’t go to the Gulf Coast region found ways to help out at home.

Manteca Chapter 50 President Janet Dyk spearheaded a relief effort she coined “Operation Goodnight.” Dyk and other volunteers are collecting nighttime items for children to be sent to the displaced. These items include brand new pajamas, clothing, stuffed animals, toiletries, diapers and slippers, which will be distributed to kids in the affected areas. After Dyk agreed to work together with the Manteca Educators Association on the relief effort, the school district stood united to help.

“At Manteca Unified, our work is children, but it doesn’t stop there at 3 p.m. when the bell rings,” Dyk said. “We can’t go to New Orleans or Mississippi, but by doing this we can take care of the children who have been displaced.”

Dyk said the response has been amazing, explaining that she often returns to her home at night to find items that have been left on her doorstep.

“The community has responded extremely positively, and has opened up their hearts and pocketbooks,” Dyk said.

She said the entire Manteca chapter is energized for the relief efforts and noted that some children displaced by the hurricane are already attending school in the district. That makes the effort even more poignant, she said.

“We’re going to get the job done,” Dyk said. Association President Rob Feckner is proud of the outpouring of support from members for the hurricane victims.

“As always, CSEA members and staff have a huge heart,” Feckner said. “When people are in need, we can forever count upon our membership to get involved.”

Feckner said members are showing that “Essential Work, Extraordinary Workers” is not only applicable in schools, but also throughout our communities and to the disaster areas.

“I applaud the efforts of our members throughout the state,” he said.

How to aid in relief efforts

To provide additional support to Hurricane Katrina victims, CSEA has established the CSEA Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, which is designed to be a clearinghouse for all donations by union members and staff. Anyone wishing to donate money can write a check to “CSEA Hurricane Katrina Fund” (do not send cash). Items and supplies, including blankets, pillows, food and diapers, are also being collected and can be sent to CSEA Headquarters, Attention: Katrina Fund, 2045 Lundy Ave., San Jose, CA 95131. Supplies can also be taken to local field offices. Donations will be forwarded to the AFLCIO Union Community Fund, which has established a relief fund for working families and communities in the Gulf Coast region. In conjunction with labor federations in the region, the fund will target working people who need help most.