Orange, California – Since March, Paul Gurewitz and his daughter Ahnya Gurewitz have volunteered at a food bank organized by the Orange County Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (OCLF). Paul who serves as the West Coast Vice President for the AFL-CIO ITC Financial, LLC. (ITCF), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the ITC, decided to donate his time to make a difference in his community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every Tuesday, volunteers from various unions and local employers distribute enough food to feed 500 families.

“The drive-thru food distribution is open to anyone whose household has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Carlos Camacho, staff director for the Food Bank. OCLF staff are trained to assist union members and their families in completing Unemployment Insurance applications, recertification follow-ups, and resume writing. OCLF also provides undocumented members and their families with information and referrals, when possible, to assistance programs that provide low-fee or free services. “As workers across the nation face layoffs, furloughs, and serious concerns about whether or not jobs will return anytime soon, we recognized the growing need and commitment to provide vital resources to working families in the Orange County community,” said Gloria Alvarado, Executive Director for the OCLF.

“As workers across the nation face layoffs, furloughs, and serious concerns about whether or not jobs will return anytime soon, we recognized the growing need and commitment to provide vital resources to working families in the Orange County community,” said Gloria Alvarado, Executive Director for the OCLF.

From the earliest days of the pandemic, the federation stepped up by converting their office space into a COVID-19 emergency resource hub and Food Bank. “It is truly an honor to stand beside my Union Brothers and Sisters as we do our part to feed families and provide important resources during this health and economic crisis,” said Paul. “I am proud to work for the labor movement and for an organization that works every day to empower the lives of union members and local communities.”

Click here to learn more about the Orange County Labor Federation and their COVID-19 response efforts.