Local 94C Conducts its annual Kids Christmas Party

On a cold December evening I gathered with over 200 children and volunteers to celebrate the Local 94C Kids Christmas Party. Each year for the past 50 years, Local 94C of the Chemical Workers Council UFCW has hosted a party for local children who otherwise would not enjoy the holiday.

Ms. Heather Smith, Vice Principal of River Bend Elementary School says, “ Local 94C reached out to ask if River Bend could host their annual shopping-spree night.” She continues, “It is an incredible event, and I`m grateful to be part of something that means so much to these children.”

94C canvases eight of the elementary schools in Rockingham County, Virginia for students who school professionals feel could benefit from the locals`efforts. School officials forward the names to the local and 100 children are invited to participate in the festivities.

Shania Davis, daughter of former 94C member Paul Henry Davis, spoke to me about how the Party has affected her life. “I went on the trip with my father as a young child and now to see my son Rylen Judd-Davis be selected from his school, Cub Run Elementary, is very touching.”

Local 94C has a fund raiser each year that is supported by the whole Elkton, VA community. Santa is a retired 94C President. His wife, Mrs. Claus. A local high school teacher plays the part of The Grinch and there are volunteers from the local and Company, Merck and Co., to fill all the many jobs required to pull off such a vast undertaking.

Local 94C Sec.-Treas. Isreal Lawson, the Chairman of the Event, sums it up perfectly,” …what started as a few 94C members handing out boxes of food, quickly has grown to something much larger for Local 94C and the Community. Something we are all very proud of and will continue for many more years to come.”

This is the perfect example of how to internally organize and build community support for your Local Union. Local 94C has 100% sign up in heart of the Shenandoah Valley, VA.

January 5, 2026

Gerry Setley, Reg. 4 Director