Martha Lee glows with happiness in front of her freshly-painted home.

86-year-old Tacoma resident Martha Lee is partial to pink. Her late husband, a handy Boeing employee who last painted the family home decades ago, had emblazoned a pink star on their garage door. The color pink also lined the trim and gutters surrounding their house complimenting the cedar siding's deep chocolate brown. 

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When Teamsters first met with Martha to discuss our Union's volunteer project to paint her home in partnership with Associated Ministries, she was keen on keeping her home's original colors. "What can I say, I just love the pink," she said.

Our team was eager to grant Martha's wish. Over the course of four days in June, 20 Teamster members, staff, and retirees donated their time, sweat, and love to this project.

"I think it's important as Teamsters that we get involved in our community," said Julian Ramirez, a residential yard waste driver at Waste Management. With the hot weather, Julian kept the group hydrated by bringing bottled water wrapped in Teamsters 117 labels he had printed himself. 

"I just moved out here and am looking for ways to give back and meet people," said Keionda Lewis of South Sound 911. "Everyone has been really nice and welcoming. I want to be a blessing to others."

Teamster Keionda Lewis of South Sound 911 brought her joyful smile and enthusiasm to the project.

Cindy Haueisen, a Teamster construction manager at King County, brought her husband to work on the project. "We love giving back to the community," she said. "We do as much pro-bono work as we can. It's the right thing to do. I love being a Teamster. I couldn't be more proud."

Much gratitude to Teamster Cindy Haueisen and her husband Terry for lending two pairs of helping hands.

A heartfelt thanks to Cindy, Keionda, Julian and all of the amazing volunteers who joined our team. A special shout out to Amy Geltz who brought her father, Ken, and two kids, Pressley and Harlow, to chip in. Many thanks also to Yulia Issa who organized the project for Teamsters 117 and to the kind folks at Associated Ministries who run the Paint Tacoma Beautiful program.

Amy Geltz, who brightens our Local 117 office, brought her two wonderful daughters along to help out.

"Our mission as Teamsters is to improve lives and lift up our communities," said John Scearcy, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters 117. "It's heartwarming for us to pitch in on a project like this and support people like Martha who need a helping hand. We will always make it a priority to give back and foster strong, thriving, livable communities. It's what Teamsters are all about."