Local 601 hosts MAPE Cares event

What started as a test of members’ interest in doing something nice for others turned into a successful MAPE Cares Day for members and guests of Local 601. Nearly 40 people showed up last Saturday to create Valentine’s cards for seniors at risk of isolation and collect menstrual hygiene products to donate to Neighbors Inc. 

“The biggest thing we learned was that there is a desire for more opportunities for MAPE members to do outreach and help the community,” said Mary Heim, Local 601 chief steward, and co-organizer of the event. “Our goal would be for future events to get even bigger in scale now that we know there are interested and willing participants.” 

Heim said events like these take help from members stepping up to plan and organize. She credits her local membership team, including Sharrilyn Helgertz, Siobhain Rivera, Nate Hierlmaier and Roberta Suski, for the day’s success. 

MAPE members from various agencies participated, many of whom brought someone with them for the event. 

“It was really fun to see how this event appealed to members of all different agencies,” Heim added. “Some came solo, with a friend, partner, kids and a grandkid.” 

Feedback from those in attendance was positive, and one person even signed up to become a member during the event.  

“The entire event was well organized, making it easy to just jump in and help,” said one attendee. “Both activities were great for breaking into small groups making it easier to socialize while completing the task.” 

 A total of 181 Valentine’s cards were created and 192 packages of menstrual hygiene products were collected.