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GM Powertrain Transmission-Baltimore
Toys for Tots Campaign

The U.S. Marines are known for their bravery in battle and their contributions and sacrifices in military campaigns. But, they also lead a different kind of campaign every year to help needy children at Christmas, and that is the Toys for Tots Campaign. And, every year for the past five years the employees at the GM Powertrain Transmission-Baltimore plant in White Marsh, Maryland, located in Baltimore County, go all out in an effort to collect toys for the Toys for Tots Campaign in support of the Marines, and the children in our area.

All of the hourly employees at the GM Powertrain Transmission-Baltimore plant are represented by UAW Local 239 (Amalgamated), and UAW Region 8. In the spirit of the season, and to help this great cause, all of the hourly and salary employees at the plant donate new toys, and every year it gets bigger and better.

This year, a tragic loss hit the plant. One of our hourly brothers, Mike Reichert, a 38 year UAW member and GM employee, died suddenly and unexpectedly on his way home from work after working the 2nd shift. Mike was liked and respected by everyone in the plant, and loved by so many of his long time co-workers. So, when a collection was taken for his family, it was no surprise as to the amount collected, $1482.00, even though we are a plant of only 450 total employees. When we informed Mike’s family of the collection, they thought of his desire to help with the Toys for Tots every year, and how he looked forward to Christmas, and they insisted that the entire amount be used to purchase new toys for the Toys for Tots Campaign to help additional needy children.

When the Marines arrived at our GM Powertrain Transmission-Baltimore plant on Monday, December 19th, to pick up the toys, they were amazed at the amount of toys in our lobby. In fact, they arrived with a Deuce and a-half truck, and with the assistance of plant leadership, as well as many other plant employees, both hourly and salary, they loaded the truck with over 40 bicycles, as well as every kind of toy imaginable, and the truck was filled from front to back, floor to ceiling, and even had to load toys inside the cab.

So, in memory of our union brother, Mike Reichert, and on behalf of his family, and all of the UAW Local 239/Region 8 members, and all of the salary employees at the GM Powertrain Transmission-Baltimore plant that participate and support this great U.S. Marine Campaign at home, we hope that we have made a difference in the life of many children this holiday season, and that we brought some joy to many families that are not as fortunate as we are. And, although our employees have never asked for recognition for their efforts, they do get a great feeling of pride and enjoyment to be able to help so many others during the Christmas holiday season.

Thanks again to all of our UAW Local 239/Region 8 members, and to the salary employees at the GM Powertrain Transmission-Baltimore plant for their generosity and sharing during this holiday season.

Don Burks
UAW Shop Chairman
Local 239/Region 8
GM Powertrain Transmission-Baltimore