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Labor organizations help homeless vets on Labor Day

Several baskets filled with items sit on a grey carpet floor.
Tom Flanigan
The labor organizations and their volunteers staged the vets' supplies at the Lake Ella American Legion post.

The Big Bend Labor Chapter held its third-annual Day of Action for Labor on Labor Day. The groups handed out supplies to homeless veterans during the day.

Among those gathered at the Lake Ella American Legion to assemble the bags of supplies was local teacher and project leader Cheri Gewanter.

"We can't imagine doing anything else other than having a day of labor for labor. And today we're going to benefit the Big Bend Homeless Coalition's Supportive Services for Veterans and Families."

Council President Sean Willett said the purpose of the effort was simple.

"Unions are here to help. They're here to be there for the community. We're a part of the community. All of us are members of this community and that's what we want to do; we want to help our community be better."

Last year, the labor groups gathered more than $4,000 worth of donated supplies and cash to help in the effort.

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Tom Flanigan has been with WFSU News since 2006, focusing on covering local personalities, issues, and organizations. He began his broadcast career more than 30 years before that and covered news for several radio stations in Florida, Texas, and his home state of Maryland.

Find complete bio, contact info, and more stories. here.