At this year's 35th Biennial Convention, two chapters were honored for their Labor Gives Back efforts. We were happy to honor Grafton Correctional Chapter 4710 and Ashtabula Chapter 400 as the co-recipients of this year’s Bob White Labor Gives Back Award. Both chapters continue to carry the torch of community service, just as the award's namesake, Bob White, did in life.

Throughout the year, both chapters led clothing drives for children in their communities during the winter months, giving hundreds of children coats, hats and gloves. They also led fundraisers to give money to provide resources, opportunities and hope for area children. Both chapters will be awarded $500 to use to give back to a charity of their choice.

In honor of a man who dedicated his entire life to public service and giving back, OCSEA's community service award is named Bob White, a union activist, Sergeant and Correctional Counselor at Richland Correctional Institution of 25 years. Bob passed away after an illness in February 2016. He served at nearly every level of union leadership and was passionate about volunteering in his Mansfield community. Learn more about the award at OCSEA.org/LaborGivesBack.

Want to nominate a chapter for the Bob White Labor Gives Back Award? Email the union at laborgivesback@ocsea.org.