When Mother Earth Farm, a grower for an emergency food bank, needed help, IBEW Local 76’s Brotherhood Committee was there to wire its greenhouse. When the city of Tacoma decided to erect a 120-foot flagpole to commemorate 9-11, Local 76 members were there, not only to lay conduit and string 5,000 feet of wire to light the flag, but to encourage the rest of the building trades to donate labor and materials. Other beneficiaries of the local’s good works over the past two and a half years include Habitat for Humanity, Campfire Boys and Girls and holiday gift drives for low-income community members.

The series of volunteer projects has earned Local 76 the Tacoma (Washington) City Council "City of Destiny" award. The mayor and city council will present the award to Local 76 at a May ceremony during which a video about its activities will be screened.

"These ‘sparkies’ volunteer their skills for a huge variety of projects that benefit our communities in such profound ways," said Carrie Little, farm manager of the Mother Earth Farm, in nominating Local 76 for the award. "Often squeezing in time between work and home, dedicating weekends and precious time away from family, these incredible men and women have touched the lives of thousands."

Local 76’s connection to the Mother Earth Farm, which grows organic produce for food banks in the Tacoma area, began three years ago during its first growing season. Members powered a pump for a nearby well for the eight-acre farm. When the neighboring farm owner had a change of heart and denied the farm access to the water, members went in and undid their work. This year, the Brotherhood Committee was back, wiring a donated greenhouse that today grows 20,000 plants, Little said.

IBEWCURRENTS

May 2003 IBEW Journal