Toledo Union Journal

Your Union And Mine By RICHARD T. GOSSER Vice President, UAW.CIO

THIS SUNDAY Local 12 holds its annual Christmas party and once again we hope that thousands and thousands of children turn out as in the past. Sometimes when I watch some of the parents at this party in the Sports Arena, I feel they are having as much fun as their children and that's good. A lot of time, money and effort goes into this affair and it is worth every bit of it if we can bring a little joy and happiness to our members and their children.

Although the purpose of our Christmas party is to - brighten the lives of our children: to remind them there is a Santa Claus; to let them know they are thought of and wanted, I feel that our union in sponsoring such an affair is doing a good turn for the community.

Through the years the Local 12 Christmas Party has grown into the largest of its kind in this area. That is fine. I have long believed that labor unions have a duty to do good for their community: that people sometimes fail to realize we perform other functions besides collective bargaining.

ALL OF US in the trade labor movement must realize that as we help each other in any way, whether it is in the shop or in the community, we are helping to improve our community and our country. And I think that at Christmas - one of the happiest seasons of the year —this is a good time to take stock and remember these things.

Even though it's Christmas party time I don't want to preach a sermon. I want to remind our brothers and sisters to bring their children or grandchildren or nephews and nieces to this affair and to have a good time.

Children have always held a big spot in our hearts. We have always felt that anything we can do to make this a better place to live in for the youngsters; to help them enjoy their childhood years would make this better world. People who have had happy childhoods. I think, feel more responsible to making this a better world for everyone.

OUR LOCAL 12 SUMMER CAMP is another means of doing what we can to help our youngsters. Like our Christmas Party, it is devoted to making children happier, because happy children are often healthy ones.

In connection with our Summer Camp, and because the Christmas season is one for giving rather than receiving I would like to mention one more thing before closing. All of you can help send more youngsters to Summer Camp and you can do this while having a swell time.

All you have to do is to come out to the St. Valentine Dance our Women's Guild is sponsoring Feb. 14 in the Sports Arena. I can promise you that you will have a wonderful time. While you are enjoying yourself, you will be making it possible for some youngster to have a wonderful time in camp next Summer.

I hope I will see you and your children at the Christmas Party Sunday and that I will see you again in this same place on Feb. 14.