As unionists, we say it frequently: an injustice to one is an injustice to all. Our members in Socorro ISD exemplified that spirit in January, spearheading a donation drive for people seeking asylum at the Texas-Mexico border.
Socorro AFT led the efforts with support from several other El Paso area labor unions. Together, they were able to distribute roughly $10,000 worth of goods and basic necessities to around 200 people in need.
Remaining items were given to a local church, which provides meals and services to asylum seekers daily.
“As president of an organization who fights for human rights, it is devastating to see people sleeping on the sidewalks, with no shelter, no hot water, no hot meals,” said Veronica Hernandez, president of Socorro AFT. “ We have a humanitarian crisis that has created an unprecedented strain on our community. The least we can do is help by donating items of necessity to these people.”
Socorro AFT hopes to schedule another round of donations and distribution later this month.