Without the help of ATU Local 85 and the other union members involved, the Port Authority's United Way campaign would not have experienced the levels of success it achieved this year and in years past. President and Business Manager Patrick McMahon leads the way encouraging his union brothers and sisters to be actively involved with United Way. Not only does he appoint a campaign coordinator each year to assist with ATU United Way solicitations, he also sets aside time on his union meeting's agenda for a United Way message to be delivered.

The majority of the campaign solicitors in the various garage locations are ATU members who help with the one-to-one contacts needed to reach the more than 2600 Port Authority employees that work various shifts. They are a dedicated group who measure their success by the number of contacts made as well as the number of dollars raised. Without question, ATU members play a critical role in the success of the Port Authority's campaign.

Bus operator Jon Taylor was appointed as the 2010 ATU United Way campaign co-chair. Jon coordinated the ATU effort and brought people together in festive spirit with a groovy "I Love the 70's" themed party that set the stage for Port Authority employees to get into the spirit of giving for the good works of the United Way.

United Way is not the only way ATU members serve the community. ATU operators are among the first responders in the event of a disaster, driving Port Authority buses to the scene to help evacuate people or to provide temporary on-site shelter. And, their care and concern for our community doesn't stop there. For example, ATU members Rob Gooch and Lynette Mitchell worked closely with the Allegheny County Labor Council this year to organize the annual Stuff the Bus holiday toy drive that collected a busload of gifts for children of the families of unemployed and under-employed workers and others in need.

Thanks ATU Local 85 for your ongoing commitment to our community and a job well done!