SANTA’S
HELPERS — PEF Region 8 volunteers wrap toys and fill
holiday baskets for needy families. — Photo by John
Epting
Region 8 brings holiday cheer to children, families
For the 12th year, Region 8 members reached out in
December to share the spirit of the holidays with
families and children throughout the Capital District.
Traditionally, a unique aspect of this effort benefits
the families of needy parolees in the Capital District.
Region 8 began by collecting toys from its members
attending the annual holiday party, and at PEF
headquarters. The day after the party, volunteers and
their families came to PEF headquarters to gift-wrap the
toys and assemble holiday baskets of food.
“Over the years, we have collected and given
thousands of dollars in toys and groceries,” said
PEF member Sue Jeffords, an Albany parole officer and
organizer of the effort.
“This is something special we do to help and
encourage the families of certain parolees who have been
selected by the parole officers assigned to their cases.
These parolees are making a good effort to transition
back into the community as responsible, law-abiding
citizens, but may have experienced a crisis, such as a
fire or serious illness. Some may be working, but simply
not getting ahead.”
Over the years, she said, “We’ve helped
parolees with AIDS who did not look as though they were
going to make another holiday. We’ve helped
parolees’ grandchildren or siblings. We’ve even
helped two crime victims and their families.”
The parole officers deliver the gift baskets to the
families during routine home visits.
“We really enjoy supporting such worthwhile
efforts,” said PEF Region 8 Coordinator Lou
Matrazzo. “We also donate part of the toys we
collect to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program
and to St. Margaret’s Center for Children in
Albany.”
In addition, PEF matches contributions its Region 8
volunteers collect at the Northeast Regional Food
Bank’s annual holiday fundraising at Crossgates Mall
in December. — Sherry Halbrook
 HOLIDAY HUNGER APPEAL —
Once again, PEF members in Region 8 take turns staffing
the annual Holiday Hunger Appeal booth at Crossgates Mall
in Albany. Traditionally, the union sponsors a day of the
appeal, matching all of the contributions collected by
the PEF volunteers. Receiving a donation from a shopper
is Jerry Boehm. In the background are Ann Reznikoff and
Lou Barr. The event raises funds for area food banks and
other programs to feed homeless and hungry individuals in
the greater Capital District. — Photo by John Epting
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