Press Release: Operating Engineers Local 4 Donates Over $5,000 to House in the Woods

MEDWAY, MA / MAINE / AGILITYPR.NEWS / January 28, 2022 / The donation to go toward rehabilitation programs for active military and veterans 

On January 25, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4 (IUOE Local 4) presented a check of $5,124 to the Maine-based, veterans organization, House in the Woods. Half of the contributions — raised during Local 4’s December Body Meeting and matched by Local 4’s general funds — will go towards the organization’s outdoor programs, which create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for active military, veterans, and their family members. 

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4 (IUOE Local 4) and the Operating Engineers Charitable Foundation, Inc. have a long track record of supporting community and national organizations. The union has historically donated millions of dollars to organizations across Massachusetts and New England. 

“We believe it is a part of our mission to give back to our neighbors and communities where our members and their families thrive,” said Local 4 Business Manager Bill McLaughlin. “With our foundation, we plan to double down on the great work our members have been doing for the better part of a decade. We thank our veterans and active military personnel for their service, and are proud to support their health and well-being through this donation.” 

House in the Woods uses wilderness activities in Maine and natural habitats to help participants share and heal from common challenges such as stress, loss, and grief related to their service. Local 4’s contribution will help provide free outdoor retreats to veterans and active military members.​

“We are beyond thankful to receive such a generous donation from Local 4,” said Paul House, Executive Director, House in the Woods. “Our veterans serve our country and deserve our support. We are full of gratitude to have the union’s support, especially while so many others in the community have leaned on us for help more than they have in the past.” 

Local 4 membership raised its highest donation to date – $5,124 – at the December Body Meeting. The Local General Fund has matched these contributions, bringing the total amount to $10,248. This year, IUOE Local 4 decided to split the total contributions to two veterans organizations, House in the Woods, and Veterans, Inc.

Local 4 has a long history of giving back to the communities where they live and work and has been able to support charitable organizations and causes across New England for decades. Some of the causes Local 4 supports include food banks, homeless shelters, Veterans groups, ALS, substance abuse, and more.

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