Maria Velez is a Tech at Dynacare Laboratories in Seattle. Maria just took a trip to Puerto Rico to help those in need after the devastating hurricane. This includes her brother, his wife and two children. Maria said, “They lost everything… the hardest was when my brother was finally able to call… to hear him crying because he had ran out of gas trying to find water and had to walk miles back to his family. I knew at that point I had to get them out, so I did.”

Maria is proud that her union is helping people in need and thanks her fellow members for their donations at the upcoming General Membership Meetings. Maria said “I am so appreciative for UFCW 21 and member donations…it is heartbreaking the pain and suffering that is still going on for many families.”

Every three months UFCW 21 members come together at General Membership Meetings around the state – from Forks to Spokane and from Centralia to Bellingham and many places in between. Attending members receive half a month’s dues credit. If they choose, they can donate it to a good cause. The upcoming meeting donations are going to aide those in need due to the hurricane in Puerto Rico.