LAKEPORT – During the California Teachers Association (CTA) State Council Meeting on March 22, hundreds of members donated money to help a fellow member in need.

A Lakeport Unified Classified Employees Association (LUCEA) member’s husband passed away on March 19 due to complications of pneumonia.

This member, a cafeteria cook, was not prepared for this unexpected death and had no life insurance.

Her union brothers and sisters opened their wallets and donated more than $3,000 to help her and her family through this difficult time.

LUCEA President Doreen McGuire-Grigg contacted CTA Board of Director Larry Allen for help during this crisis.

Allen was granted permission from CTA President David A. Sanchez and the state council members to “pass the hat” during their session on Sunday afternoon.

These teachers and education support professional (ESP) members, who are struggling with lay-offs and difficult economic times, have proven that when hard times hit, they step up to make the difference. They work hard. They give of themselves to children and their communities, all in the midst of budget reductions, losses of jobs and losses of homes. Many of these members work two jobs to make ends meet.

Lakeport CTA ESP leadership delivered the donation to the member who was overwhelmed that CTA members who did not know the family were so generous.

The Lakeport Unified Classified Employees Association is an affiliate of CTA, which is affiliated with the 2.7 million-member National Education Association.