Around The Railroad

Holiday Spirit

Employees Exemplify Commitment to Community Over the Holidays

January 4, 2008 | 03:11 p.m. CST

Across the system, Union Pacific employees found ways to make the holidays brighter for others. Whether it's an individual employee, organization or work group, the following acts exemplify Union Pacific's commitment to the communities we serve.

Yvonne Roberts, Fort Worth Service Unit administrative assistant, and New Hope Church in Watauga, Texas, collected gifts and money for a mission trip to the Baptist Children's Home in San Antonio, Texas, over the holidays. "You think you're there to give blessings to others, and you wind up being the one blessed," Roberts said. During their three-day trip, volunteers sang and played games with the children; provided sack lunches, hygiene kits, coats and clothing to the homeless; and asked those who were less fortunate if there was any specific part of their life they would like included in prayer.

The Union Pacific Railroad Chorale celebrated the season, sharing their talents with the Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions groups by performing two concerts on Dec. 14 and 19 in Omaha. "These events encourage members to continue giving and help to celebrate their efforts," said John Hendrickson, manager-special projects and chorale director. Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions are both volunteer programs that provide individuals who are more than 60 years of age the chance to share their wisdom with others.

LEAD (Lead, Educate, Achieve, Develop) members adopted 11 families for this year's "Adopt-a-Family Holiday Project" benefiting children who attend Field Club Elementary School in Omaha. The school serves 650 students, 75 percent qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches and 60 percent who are English as second language (ESL) students. LEAD members and UP employees provided at least two clothing items and two toys for 37 children. In addition, they donated more than $2,000, used to purchase gift cards to various grocery stores for each family. "We truly enjoyed the opportunity to brighten their holiday season," said Leigh Lindstrom, business representative and this year's project coordinator. "When delivering gifts to each family, their smiles and hugs were so heartfelt that we knew our hard work was worth it."

Holiday Spirit highlights ways employees are donating their time and talents to make their communities a better place for others during the holiday season.