Stonington -- School custodians and maintenance workers, who are members of Local 1303-170 of Council 4 AFSCME, recently presented the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center with $1,500 in Stop & Shop gift cards.

“Many of our townspeople are struggling to make ends meet, especially during the holidays. As a union, we want to help them have a good Christmas,” said Rolanda DeOliveira, a Stonington High School custodian who serves as president of the 26-member bargaining unit.

“The staff and volunteers at the Neighborhood Center do amazing work for our community,” he added. “Our union is proud and blessed to be able to help them.”

DeOliveira and union Vice President Daniel “Duke” Carey presented the gift cards to Vicki Anderson, executive director of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center.

“The need for help is especially great this time of year,” Anderson said. “We deeply appreciate the school custodians union for stepping up with this generous contribution.”