By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo area labor unions raised $41,000 over the past month to send phone cards to servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Local AFL-CIO President John Kaczorowski says they were overwhelmed by the response. He says the fundraising effort took off following his appearance on the Fox News Channel. The unions received checks from as far away as Colorado and Hawaii.
Kaczorowski says the funds were used to purchase 2,600 pre-paid phone cards for the troops.
"We'll take care of some of the troops from Western New York, wherever they're serving," Kaczorowski said.
The fundraising drive was called "Working to Connect Our Troops." Kaczorowski said it was the least the labor movement could do to help connect service personnel with their family and friends.
"We're doing the right thing for the men and women who are serving our country," Kaczorowski said. "They deserve every opportunity to call home."
Kaczorowski says each of the cards cards cost $15 and has 50 minutes of calling time. Each card will include a small sticker that reads "Happy Holidays and God Bless -- compliments of Western New York's labor unions."