IAM Union Local 2198’s Young Workers Committee has donated over 50 fully stocked backpacks to students at Elsik High School in Houston. The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Communities in Schools program, which works inside schools across the country to connect students with needed resources and support.
The backpack drive was supported by IAM Union Local 2198 members, officers, and General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “I’m proud of the Young Workers Committee for stepping up and showing what it means to serve the community,” said General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “They are showing what it means to lead with heart. Even small efforts like this one are changing lives and building stronger futures for students.”
Members of the Young Workers Committee—Quintarius Oliver, Cora Walker, and Eva Brooks—led the project with backing from IAM Local 2198 President Enrique Bojorquez and Vice President Tamisha Hodges. Faculty and staff at Elsik High School also contributed to making the donation possible.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen commented on the effort: “IAM Air Transport members’ dedication to service and community embodies the very best of what it means to be part of the IAM Union. The Young Workers Committee’s work has shown that our union is about more than representing workers – we stand behind our communities by supporting and empowering each other.”
IAM Local 2198 Recording Secretary Jon Martin added: “Together, we are helping build a stronger community—one backpack at a time. This initiative exemplifies the power of solidarity and collective action, and we are deeply grateful to our generous members whose contributions made this effort possible.”
Communities in Schools is a national nonprofit organization that connects students with caring adults and critical resources so they can succeed academically.
Through projects such as this backpack drive, IAM Union members continue efforts to support youth, strengthen public education, and invest in their local communities.
