Union Collecting Christmas Gifts for Striking Miners in Alabama

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Auxillary is collecting Christmas gifts for the children of striking miners in Brookwood.

The employees at Warrior Met Coal have been on strike for a new contract since April 1st.

Larry Spencer, the UMWA International Vice President for District 20, said that they decided to hold the drive because they knew that many miners and their families have been struggling financially while the strike nears the end of its seventh month.

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"The striking miners are having difficulties paying their bills and stuff like that, so we decided we would try to help them out with Christmas," Spencer said.

The union has created a gift list through Target. At the time of publication, the community has already purchased more than $7,500 in gifts on the registry.

The drive is collecting both toys and other items like clothing, shoes, makeup and even some gift cards.

Spencer says that people should support these miners by donating because it could help them in time of need.

"These coal miners have been fighting for a contract and to make things better, and it would be good to help these miners out in their time of need," Spencer said.

Those who are interested in buying toys should visit the UMWA's Target gift list. People can also send money or bring toy donations to the UMWA Auxillary at the below address.

UMWA Auxillary 2245/ 2368
29122 AL-216, McCalla, AL 35111

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