Category: Charitable Corner
Hunting accident claims life of Idaho member’s daughter
Brother Jay Pierce (Local 265) lost his daughter, Kaylanee Orr, in a hunting accident last week. As the family grieves this unthinkable loss, mounting funeral expenses are adding to their already heavy burden. Read on to find out how you can help support our union brother.
For Wisconsin’s State Legislative Director, Role is More Than a Title
When SMART-TD’s Wisconsin State Safety & Legislative Director Andy Hauck was invited to meet with a man in hospice care who’s had a lifetime love of trains, he didn’t hesitate for a second. Read on to hear more about this experience that shows how our members take their passion for what they do beyond the rails.
Local 1258 Earns an “A” for Inaugural Backpack Drive
SMART-TD Local 1258 (Elgin, Illinois) delivered 24 fully filled backpacks for the Hanover Park School District after its first-ever backpack drive. Read on to learn what spurred the idea and how the local went the extra mile to give back to their community.
Support SMART-TD Brother Who Lost His Leg in Denver Derailment
Brother Brian Malleck of Local 626 (McCook, Nebraska) lost a leg in a Denver switching yard when the car he was riding derailed. This life-altering injury could have happened to any of us. Consider donating to help Malleck and his family recover from this tragedy.
Alaska Conductor Loses Second Child, Chairperson Asks for Our Support
After previously losing a son to cancer, Brother TJ Dinsmore’s (Local 1626, Alaska) 19-year-old son, Connall, was killed in a car accident on July 25. Read on to learn how you can help the family as he and his son, Lucas, grieve this terrible loss.
Heroic Act on the Rails: SMART-TD Brother Burned while Saving Crewmate
SMART-TD member John Hedgepeth suffered third-degree burns and broken ribs while saving his engineer’s life during a Norfolk Southern derailment in Indiana. Now Hedgepeth, a U.S. Marine veteran, needs our help. If you can, please pitch in to support Brother Hedgepeth and his family by contributing to the fundraiser organized by Local 490.
Help Amtrak Conductor, Local 166 Member Get Back to Work
Brother Alfred Stinnett (Local 166, Salt Lake City) has been unable to work since January after tearing his shoulder and undergoing two surgeries. Read on to learn how you can help as he continues his physical therapy to get back on the job.
Support Brother Michael Garcia After a Tragic Loss
Brother Mike Garcia of Local 1422 (Los Angeles, California) and his wife, Tamara Ortiz, lost their three beloved children Cole (17), Trent (15), and Sailor (10) in a car accident. In Southern California, Mike is known as a pillar of strength and someone his union brothers and sisters can always depend on. Today, he and his family need that same strength and support returned. Read on for more information about how you can help.