South Boston, MA Iron Workers Local 7, one of Boston’s largest unions, held a school supply drive at their Union Hall, collecting over $3,000 worth of notebooks, crayons, binders, pencils, and other supplies for Boston students. Local 7 members stopped by the Union Hall throughout the morning to drop off, sort, and hand out donations. This Supply Drive comes at a time of critical need as Boston families face the financial challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic while balancing the needs of remote learning.

“This has been a school year like no other, and our students need all the support they can get,” said Local 7 business manager Mike Hess. “Our team at Local 7 is happy to step up and help our communities. Making sure that students have paper or markers to do their work can make a big difference.”

Members of Local 7’s NEXT Committee, comprised of the union’s young leaders, coordinated with the Boston Teachers Union, inviting parents and teachers to stop by and pick up supplies for their students during the drive. Any remaining donations were given to the Mario Umana Academy in East Boston.

Most Boston students have been learning remotely for nearly a year with only a small number of high-needs students having returned to classrooms part time. Boston’s schools will begin a phased reopening for all students next month, but about 44% of Boston Public School families have decided to stick with remote learning. The unique situation has put strains on parents, teachers, and students.

“This is a time of so much need,” said Frank Murray, Chairperson of Local 7’s NEXT Committee, who helped plan the supply drive with Committee Member Marquis Meca. “Our members really wanted to give back and do what we can to help our kids succeed this year.”