CLEVELAND, December 15 — The members of BLET Division 34 in Columbus, Ohio, are getting into the holiday spirit by helping two families who are down on their luck this Christmas.
This is the fifth year in a row that the members of Division 34 have participated in the Adopt-A-Family program.
Jeff Murray, Local Chairman of Division 34, said that members of the Division and workers in other crafts in their terminal nominate needy families throughout the year. The Division selects a worthy family or families and donates toys and other necessities to the family at Christmas.
He said the spirit of Christmas brings everyone in their terminal together as workers from all crafts donate toys and money to help the families in need. He said the Adopt-A-Family program is not organizational specific and is a joint effort with members in other crafts, including the UTU.
“It’s incredible for our terminal,” Murray said. “We collect a wish list from the children of the families we adopt. The clerks set up a Christmas tree at the yard office with wish list items from the kids hanging from the tree. Everyone buys them toys and anything left over is put onto gift cards and divided equally between the families.”
Brother Murray said he helped kick start the program five years ago with J.D. Scott and Bill Lyon. This year, he credited Division 34 member Phil Tudor and his wife, Stacy, for spearheading efforts.
Two families have been adopted this year: The Auteri family and the Byrd family.
• Ron and Jen Auteri are the parents of three children, and earlier this year, they became guardians for a seven-month-old baby that they were caring for. “This family is full of love and compassion, unfortunately their story is becoming all too common and their ability to provide for the family is an on-going challenge,” Murray said.
They have 3 kids Evan 16, Austin 14, and Nic 7, plus the 7-month-old baby. Jen was a pediatric nurse and a few months ago she was told that she needed to take time off of work because she developed cardiac problems stemming from a severe potassium deficiency. She later found out that she has three herniated discs in her back so her job future is uncertain. Ron had a decent job and was able to support the family and in early November he was told that his job was being replaced with technological advancements and was laid off. Austin 14, suffers from sever curvature of the spine and is unable to take part in many activities he did before.
• Jeremiah and Billy Byrd are your typical loving family with a growing family. They have five kids: Kayla, 14; Mikey, 13; Hannah, 11; and twin 7 year olds Zacharia and Jeremiah. The twins have Cystic Fibrosis and have been battling every day since birth. This disease is worsened by the severe acid reflux that causes fluid to build up into their lungs. They are constantly in an out of the hospital and their medications total nearly $20,000 a year. Mom is forced to stay home to care for the twins and dad is limited in the number of hours he can work because he will exceed the limits for federal aid to help with the care and medication for the kids.
BLET National President Paul Sorrow commended the members of Division 34 for their ongoing generosity.
“At this festive and joyous time of year, I am proud of our members for helping those less fortunate in their community,” President Sorrow said. “Once again, the BLET National Division will be making a donation to Division 34’s Adopt-A-Family program in hopes of giving the Auteri and Byrd families a Merry Christmas.”
Any other BLET members, Divisions, Legislative Board or General Committees of Adjustment who also wish to support Division 34 in this endeavor may do so by making checks payable to “BLET Division 34”and mailing them to:
Mike Mathis, Secretary-Treasurer
BLET Division 34
11774 Eddington Ave.
Pickerington, OH 43147
Email: msm23560@aol.com
Please note “Adopt A Family” in the memo section of your check.