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ST. LOUIS – “Where’s your coat?” asked Sylvester Taylor on a cold and windy day in 2004 to a child he was mentoring.  “I don’t have one,” said the 12-year-old.  That a basic need had gone unmet inspired Taylor to launch an annual coat by the organization he founded that same year – the IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus’ (EWMC).  This year, the charitable endeavor will exceed 15,000 coats donated in the 20 years of the program.

 

 IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus’ (EWMC) President Sylvester Taylor

 

“Here was a child who had basically been wearing layers of clothing to keep warm,” said Taylor.  “There just weren’t enough coats to go around in his family and the older kids took his. That got to me.”

 

IBEW Local 1 Business Representative Mike Newton

 

On Dec. 11, 2024, Taylor and EWMC members delivered 220 coats for children to the Hazelwood School District.  It was part of more than 600 coats that will be given away to children in need regionwide this year. EWMC is part of the Electrical Connection, a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).  Taylor serves as director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Electrical Connection.

 

Left to right, Hazelwood School District (HSD) Coordinator of Counseling and Social Work Jazell Thomas, HSD Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, HSD Board Member Andrea Gregory, IBEW Local 1 Business Representative Mike Newton, and  IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus’ (EWMC) President Sylvester Taylor.

 

“The Hazelwood School District strives to strengthen the families it serves,” said Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, Hazelwood School District Superintendent. “The enduring generosity of the Electrical Connection and IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus in its coat drive is greatly appreciated and indicative of the supportive spirit in the Hazelwood School District Community.”

 If you would like to support the annual coat drive, EWMC is looking for new coats or used coats in good condition that are appropriate for children up to the age of 18.  You can drop off coats at the IBEW Local 1 union hall at 5850 Elizabeth Ave. in St. Louis or you can send a donation to:

 

IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus

C/O Sylvester Taylor

5850 Elizabeth Ave.

St. Louis, Mo.63110

Make the check out to “EWMC Coat Drive.”

The Electrical Connection partnership provides safe and reliable commercial, industrial and residential electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world. It is an important resource for business and civic leadership for new technology, including disruptive technologies, advancing electrical and communication infrastructure.  Learn more at www.electricalconnection.org.