It's been a busy couple of weeks around the Union Hall as we celebrate our Season of Caring, Season of Sharing. From the smiling faces in the pictures we've been sharing, it looks like it was a successful Holiday Season.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who helps with our holiday endeavors: the Local Union Officers and Business Agents, the office staff, the Teamster Horsemen, the Smiley Family Cookie Factory, and, last but not least, the Members.

The Members who take an ornament to purchase a gift for a child from a needy family, the Members who work behind the scenes making goodie bags, the Members who give their precious time and show up at our events, and the Members who pitch in and do what's needed. The Members who stand together as one proud organization to support working men and women.

I've said it so often, but I'll repeat it: it's the Members coming together to support THEIR Union that makes me say, "I'm Proud to be a Teamster!" On behalf of everyone at Local 776, I wish you a safe and Merry Christmas!

Fraternally,

Ed Thompson,

President, Teamsters Local 776

After our Children's Christmas Party, some extra presents remained. The Local decided to help Santa fulfill Christmas wishes by donating toys to local agencies. BAs Chalmer Edgin, Spencer Dearth, Keith Hartman, Jason Kraft, Dave Vrona, former BA now retired Dave Wolf,  and Organizers Ashley Cerzullo and Joshua Todd made the rounds of the various agencies delivering Christmas Joy. Here's a rundown of agencies we helped to create a brighter Christmas:

St. Bernard Catholic Church. New Bloomfield, PA:

Brian Swope (L), Teamster Local 776 Retiree, road driver from ABF, and Father Robert Sharman of Saint Bernard Catholic Church in New Bloomfield, PA, review gifts for the church's toy donation drive.

Access-York/YWCA:

Miss Bert Palmer accepted the toys on behalf of Access York from Retired Business Agent Dave Wolf.

The Zembo Mosque (Shriners), Harrisburg, PA:

Spencer, Ashley, and Chalmer stopped in at the Mosque in Harrisburg with toys destined for the Shriner Hospital

Penn State Milton S. Hershey children's hospital:

L-R Josh, Ashley, Dave, Tom Bender (steward) Spencer, Pamela Baranowski (child life assistant/ special events & donations), Matt Miller (steward), and Jason

Hagerstown, MD Marine Corps Toys for Tots:

Keith, Jeff (ex-marine with Toys for Tots), Spencer, and Josh 

Well, if you've been following along the last 10 days, it's been a busy Season of Caring, Season of Sharing at Local 776! 

Merry Christmas, and thank you to everyone who puts in the time, effort, and desire to help one another each year!

Continuing our Season of Caring, Season of Sharing, Local 776 held another Giftmas Event!

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, Local 776 hosted our annual Christmas for Kids Community Services Christmas Party. In conjunction with the Community Progress Council's WIC program, the party helps some of the area's most needy families during the holiday season. During the party, the kids received gifts and goodie bags from Santa and shared in the season. Santa and his "Elves" were busy ensuring everyone had a good time, and with the kids' smiling faces, it looked like Christmas!

It's always about the kids!

In addition to their gift and goodie bag, each child also received a pair of gloves, a ski cap, and a warm blanket. These items were generously donated by the York-area AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) chapter. AFSCME Members were on hand to assist with the Giftmas Event!

"We are fortunate to have so much again this year, and it's important to help those in need share in the season. For some of these kids, this is their Christmas, and we try hard to help as many as possible," commented Local 776 President Ed Thompson. "I would like to thank the Christmas for Kids Party Committee Members, our Local Union staff, the Teamster Horsemen, and the Area AFSCME chapter for all their hard work in putting this event together. Also, thanks to our Retirees Club, which added its support by making a cash contribution for the gifts that the Teamster Horsemen purchased. Last but not least, I would like to thank Bimbo Bakeries and Canteen Corp. for their donations to help make the party successful."

Additional photos from the party are available in the "Photo Gallery."

Quite a crowd descended on the Union Hall last Saturday for the Children's Christmas Party. Members and their families were reveling in the Christmas Spirit as they celebrated our Season of Sharing, Season of Caring. Here are a few more pictures we received from the event:

Merry Christmas, Everyone!