Members donate more than 2,000 items to families in need

Members spread the love on Valentine’s Day by donating essential food and household supplies that will go to families impacted by ICE in Minneapolis. The drive was organized by Local 301’s Membership Secretary Michelle Belmont and Region 1 Director Claudia Hochstein. Members dropped off items at the MAPE office in Shoreview and packages were organized for delivery.

Belmont said she was inspired by fellow Local 301 member Brianna Loeks and her partner who invited Belmont to attend a social group supply packing event and while she was there thought to herself, “I can do this!”

“I reached out to Kaity Taylor, MAPE Secretary, also in Local 301, to see how I could organize a drive through MAPE. She partnered me with Claudia, and we drafted a proposal to use the MAPE space,” explained Belmont. “I had been helping with neighborhood watch duty during parent pickup at a local school and took that opportunity to connect with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Community Chair. They put us in touch with the Pillsbury Little Kitchen (501c3) program that currently supports 120 students and their families, of which 40 are currently sheltering in their homes due to fears of being taken.”

Wednesday, Feb. 18, was the first delivery of supplies taken from MAPE central by Belmont and MAPE Vice President Chris Smith, with loading assistance from the MAPE Operations team. Deliveries will continue each week.

“It worked really well for us to partner with a school that already had processes in place for intake of items, storage and distribution,” Belmont said. “We were able to piggyback onto their efforts and focus on what we do best - organizing and mobilizing.”

Bellmont hopes to keep the drive going and will continue to reach out on the MAPE Mutual Aid Signal chat when they are low on supplies. Fill out the form to get added to the chat.

“I am a member of the MAPE Mutual Aid group. We strongly feel that building our mutual aid muscles will better prepare us for the next negotiation round with strike-readiness. MAPErs have the capability and drive to support our communities and each other,” Belmont said. “I am continuously overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit of mutual aid of our MAPErs.”

Other ways to get involved include donating or volunteering at or donating to rent relief groups working to keep families in their homes.

“I would encourage locals to organize similar drives,” Belmont continued. “I would love to see this program grow.” Reach out to Michelle Belmont if your local is interested.