IAM Union members from Local 778 in Independence, Mo., are putting the IAM Midwest Territory’s HELPS program into action, donating their time and labor to improve a community space ahead of an upcoming city skate event.
On Saturday, Sept. 12, more than 20 Local 778 members partnered with Independence Parks and Recreation to remove graffiti and repaint the Independence Skate Park, giving the popular community gathering spot a fresh look.
The project focused on removing extensive graffiti throughout the skating area and revitalizing the park’s skate bowls. Members took care to preserve memorials honoring local skaters who tragically lost their lives while cleaning up the remaining graffiti and improving the park’s appearance for the community.
The volunteer effort reflects the spirit of the IAM Midwest Territory’s HELPS which encourages IAM members to give back to the communities where they live and work.
“IAM members make a difference far beyond the workplace. Through the HELPS program, our members put their solidarity into action by giving their time, sharing their skills and making their communities stronger,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Local 778’s work at the Independence Skate Park is a great example of what it means to be a union member, and looking out for one another and taking pride in the places we call home.”
“This is our first time assisting such a unique park,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “Some of the graffiti were memorials to local skaters that tragically lost their lives, so we left those in place, but the majority was a visual eyesore.”
Brown praised the members who volunteered their time, noting that the local continues to attract new volunteers each year who are eager to serve their community.
“It’s great to see our members show up and give back within the community,” said Brown.
Representing more than 3,000 working families in the Kansas City area, IAM Local 778 continues to demonstrate that union solidarity extends beyond the workplace. Through community service projects like the Independence Skate Park cleanup, IAM members are building stronger neighborhoods and showing the positive impact working people can make when they stand together.
IAM H.E.L.P.S. (Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing, and Servicing) in the Community encourages IAM members across North America to strengthen the communities where they live and work through volunteer service.
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