HAPPY HOLIDAYS — PEF leaders, Region 8 members, family and friends pose after wrapping gifts for the needy. They are
(l-r): Scott Ray, Sue Jeffords, Tom Comanzo, Annette Chambers, Anne Gorrill, Christine Kleinegger, Robert Harms, Arlea Igoe,
Debbie Chowdhury, Cindy Brynien, Ken Brynien, Priscilla Sweet and her grandchild. Photos by John Epting
By DEBORAH A. MILES

For the 16th year in a row, PEF kept the tradition of giving gift baskets to families of parolees, a charitable gesture unlike many others.

“It’s a great program,” said PEF Region 8 Coordinator Tom Comanzo. “These gift baskets are for those who are making positive changes in their lives, or for families of parolees who need support and help during the holidays.”

“It’s important to continue this tradition. It shows parolees that society cares about them,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “An act of good will can go further than just giving gifts. You can tell by the level of appreciation of the recipients.”

Among the three families selected this year was a single mother with five children, according to Sue Jeffords, a parole revocation specialist who started the program in 1990.

“The mom of five was overwhelmed by the generosity,” Jeffords said. “She was given five boxes of toys and three boxes of food. We meet a need not addressed elsewhere. It shows the generosity of state workers who understand that children shouldn’t be penalized for the ills of a parent.”

Sleigh bells ring
Another charitable gesture came about when Kathy D’Arminio, chair of the PEF Health and Safety committee, realized the people who suffered from the June floods lost many, if not all, of their holiday decorations.

PEF members and staff brought in everything from lights and ornaments to sleigh bells.

“The response was tremendous,” D’Arminio said. “My car was overflowing with decorations for Project Recovery.”

The response from the recipients was also heartfelt. D’Arminio said one woman was very depressed about losing her decorations and couldn’t justify buying new ones because the flood damage left her and others with costly repairs. The woman cut down a tree from her own yard, and a Project Recovery team member brought her an armload of decorations.

“She was moved to tears,” D’Arminio said. “The generosity of PEF people was overwhelming. I am proud to be part of this union.”

Other donations from generous members brightened the hearts of children in the Toys for Tots program in PEF Regions 8 and 11. St. Margarets Children’s Center in Albany received a sleigh-full of toys from Region 8 members. They also collected donations and food for the Albany area food bank, as well as blankets for those less fortunate.


AT THE MALL — PEF members staff the booth at Crossgates Mall in Albany as shoppers donate to the Regional Food Bank.


WRAPPING IT UP — Christine Kleinegger, Arlea Igoe and Anne Gorrill wrap gifts for families of deserving parolees in December at PEF headquarters.

The Communicator Feb. 2007

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