Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Driving rain and thunder couldn’t stop New Jersey’s working people from helping out Atlantic City families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO, in connection with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, distributed more than 2,000 food kits to laid-off union members and their families. Volunteers from the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the Operating Engineers (IUOE) and UNITE HERE helped Operation Feed Atlantic City go smoothly. The state federation plans to continue similar food distribution events as long as there is a need and President Charles Wowkanech (IUOE) attributes the success of the program to the generosity of the affiliates and members throughout the state.

This blog originally appeared at AFL-CIO on August 12, 2020. Reprinted with permission.

About the Author: Kenneth Quinnell is a long-time blogger, campaign staffer and political activist. Before joining the AFL-CIO in 2012, he worked as labor reporter for the blog Crooks and Liars.