If there’s anything Ford Motor Company and its partners at UAW-Ford understand, it is the importance of family, establishing traditions and giving back at the holidays.

 That is why UAW-Ford has organized one of the holiday’s largest food giveaways in cooperation with Ford Motor Co. UAW-Ford is kicking off its fourth annual Boxes of Love program this holiday season – distributing more than 25,000 meals to families across 17 states.

 Each box will contain food ingredients, including all of the fixings for a complete holiday meal, such as: turkey, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, cornbread mix, vegetables as well as cake mix and frosting.

 Boxes of Love is part of UAW-Ford’s national community giving initiative.

 Nearly $1 million will go toward feeding families in need in communities where Ford has facilities – with the bulk of the boxes being distributed throughout metro Detroit.

 Locally, UAW-Ford representatives UAW-Ford vice president Jimmy Settles and Ford Motor Company vice president of labor affairs Bill Dirksen in addition to several UAW-Ford members and community volunteers will hand out food boxes beginning at 8:30 a.m.

 Beginning Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. and going until the last box is distributed, metro Detroit residents can pick up a free holiday food box at any of the following locations:

 ·        Trade Union Labor Council Building, 8670 Grand River, Detroit

·        Butzel Park Family Recreation Center, 7737 Kercheval, Detroit

·        Highland Park Fire Station, 25 Gerald Street, Highland Park

·        Fellowship Chapel, 7707 West Outer Drive, Detroit

 “We are proud to organize not only for our members, but also for the people in need in our communities, so that they, too, can have a holiday with dignity and warm food,” Settles said in a statement. “Our dedication to helping improve the quality of life for those communities in which our members live, work and play is even stronger.”

 “On this day – just as we offer a helping hand year-round – UAW-Ford stands in solidarity with families in need,” added Settles.

 Boxes of Love is part of UAW-Ford’s national community giving initiative. In addition to local distribution sites, nearly 154 churches throughout metro Detroit have identified families in need and will distribute meals from the Boxes of Love program.

“Ford Motor Company is glad to be able to lend a helping hand this holiday season, as we stand committed to helping people in need,” Bill Dirksen, Ford Motor Company vice president, labor affairs, said in a statement. “This is one of the many ways in which we are invested in Detroit and communities across the United States.”

Participating states include California, Colorado, Ohio, Oregon, Missouri, Florida, Texas, Georgia, New York, Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina and Illinois.

In addition to the financial contribution, more than 1,000 volunteers including UAW-Ford members, retirees, family members, friends, businesses, organizations and youth will help assemble and distribute Boxes of Love.

Established in 1941, UAW-Ford has a rich history of fighting for its members and the communities in which they live, work and play. Whether it is workers’ rights, youth development, community giving, offering skilled trades and/or educational training, UAW-Ford is committed to providing opportunities that secure both economic and social stability for the American workers and their families.

Ford Motor Co. is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. 

  Boxes of Love, Ford Motor Company, UAW-Ford