IBEW Local 164 Partners with Hackensack Medical Center to Grant Wishes for Seven Families!

Pediatric Patients and Their Siblings Benefit from Annual Gift Giving Program

In keeping with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 164’s commitment to help make life better for others, the Paramus, N.J.-based electrical union recently partnered with Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) to assist six families as part of The Eighth Annual Gift Giving Program. Local 164’s Denise Mandeville, business representative, and union member Kelly Whalen, project manager for Unity Telecommunications, also sponsored an additional family. Designed to grant the wish lists of youngsters who are ill and their siblings, this year’s program benefited 18 local families in need.

“The Gift Giving Program is a wonderful opportunity to spread some ‘magic’ and offer hope to area families who have been touched by illness and economic difficulties,” said Richard Dressel, Local 164 business manager. “The members of Local 164 embraced this opportunity to not only grant the wish-list items, but surpass the requests by donating the latest age-appropriate toys that bring their own children hours of fun.”

Each year, HUMC’s Pediatrics departments nominate families served by the hospital’s various units to be included in the Gift Giving Program. The patients who are chosen, along with their siblings, are asked for their “wishes” and donors are sought. This year, a celebration featuring illusionist David Blaine was held in the medical center’s Aquarium Café. The festivities also included the Maywood Dance Troupe, Paramus High School Quintet, face painting, bead making and a full dinner.

“IBEW Local 164 went above and beyond this year in offering renewed happiness to six worthy families,” said Ellen Goldring, HUMC’s section chief of child art therapies, who helped coordinate the program.

Local 164’s electrical and telecommunications members also provide funding for the Portable Playhouse, Inc., a specialized, unique art program with a volunteer Creative Arts team that provides activities for a creative environment. The hospital’s pediatric patients engage in a wide range of activities, including bead making, which allow them to communicate their emotions through artistic expression.

“IBEW Local 164 proudly partners with Hackensack University Medical Center because we share a common goal – to enhance the quality of life for all, especially for youngsters who are our next generation,” said Richard Dressel, business manager.

These projects are part of Local 164’s on-going “Union with Heart” outreach efforts. Other recent initiatives include a clothing drive to benefit the Salvation Army, a telethon to benefit the Community Hospice of Bergen County, Inc., and a holiday toy drive for children whose parents are serving overseas or whose families are in need.

PHOTO CAPTION: The Eighth Annual Gift Giving Program at Hackensack University Medical Center recently benefited 18 local families served by the Hackensack, N.J. acute care hospital. Designed to grant the wish lists of youngsters who are ill and their siblings, this year’s program sponsors included The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 164, which assisted six families, along with two of its members, who helped another family. A celebration featuring illusionist David Blaine (pictured) was held in the medical center’s Aquarium Café. The festivities also included the Maywood Dance Troupe, Paramus High School Quintet, face painting, bead making and a full dinner.