Fall River Watson Elementary School Receives Heartwarming Support from Local Union

The holiday spirit was alive and well in Fall River as Watson Elementary School received a significant boost thanks to UA Local 51 Plumbers and Pipefitters.

The union, based in Riverside, East Providence, collected and donated hundreds of toys to brighten the holidays for students at the Eastern Avenue school.

The generosity of UA Local 51 didn’t go unnoticed. The City of Fall River presented the union with a Mayoral Citation, awarded by Mayor Paul E. Coogan, in recognition of their dedication to the community.

“This is something we’ve been doing for four years now,” said William “Bill” DeMello, Business Agent at Local 51. “Each year, we try to choose a different place to help. This year, we connected with Mayor Coogan and the school committee, which led us to Watson Elementary.”

The toy drive culminated with the union’s annual Christmas dinner at Venus De Milo on Tuesday night, followed by the delivery of the toys and other surprises on Wednesday. Alongside the nearly 500 toys, the union donated bike racks and approximately 30 bicycles for students, many of whom walk to school.

“Community is something we focus on,” added Paul Alvarez, Local 51’s Business Manager. “We support those who support us, and this time of year, we aim to help out the less fortunate. At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids.”

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UA Local 51’s commitment to spreading joy has touched many over the years, previously supporting organizations like the Tiverton Police Department and Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year’s effort, powered by the contributions of about 300 members, ensured a brighter holiday season for Watson Elementary School’s students.