TV and motion picture productions provide good paying jobs for a skilled workforce and revenue for hundreds of small and large businesses. Less known, are the acts of giving that can provide critically needed resources for non-profit, human service agencies and public schools. Local 481 members collaborate with production officials to identify, direct and deliver valuable items that are no longer needed once a production is finished.

Recently, furniture and materials were donated to, Room 13 Boston, an innovative, youth arts program located at the Excell High School in South Boston. According to Amy Raymond, Room 13 Boston Artist in Residence (see photo), “Donations such as a desk, a radial arm saw, work tables, two huge shelves I can use for materials, a metal welding table, a couch, and even a cart, will enable students in our construction and metal shop classes to get off to a great start this fall.”

This is just one example of donations to worthwhile organizations in the form of furniture, clothing, building materials, tools and even toys made available through the efforts of Local 481 crew members and motion picture production companies. There are many Local 481 members from construction, set dressing, props, and costume/wardrobe who have been involved in these efforts. Organizations that have been the recipients of donations include Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Industries, Boston Building Recycling Center, Emerson College, Rosie’s Place, Salvation Army, The Home for Little Wanderers, Second Glance and Project Home Again, to name a few.