The EIU Labor Council had its 38th annual picnic at Fox Ridge Park on Saturday.

Meeting every year the weekend before Labor Day, this picnic is the organization’s way of celebrating the year’s accomplishments.

Supported by donations from local unions and through their own funds, the council provides the picnic for free to thank its members.

The Labor Council represents nine counties in East Central Illinois. Matt Peterson, president of the area’s local AFSCME chapter, and Mark Allison, President of EIU’s UPI chapter Local 4100, are help lead the organization.

The Labor Council has meetings every month. Members often come from area unions, and there are representatives within the council.

They hope to have many more people join the group.

“We are always looking for new members,” Peterson said.

The council’s main objective is to support local organizations and charities.

Peterson said the council has no particular agenda but is always looking to help charitable organizations.

“There’s always something different to help with,” he said.

Most recently, the council donated money to help refurbish benches at the train depot in Mattoon. They also assist Charleston’s food pantry, the police and fire departments, Soup Stop, Habitat for Humanity, Angel Food Ministries and Camp New Hope.

In addition, the council also supports union members who are on strike by providing them with groceries and monetary assistance.

Harold Cross, a trustee, has been with the organization for about 30 years. He enjoys being part of a group that helps others.

“We like to help local organizations and help unions get off the ground. We just try to support future generations,” Cross said.

The council also assists people running for political office.

Ed Wehrle, a trustee, said, “We like to support candidates who are sympathetic to labor causes.”

Harold’s wife, Trudie Cross, is also a trustee. For her, the picnic is a highlight of working with the council.

“I enjoy the event because it celebrates labor and the organization of unions,” she said.

She is also in charge of buying and distributing the event’s door prizes.

“It’s my favorite part of the picnic. It’s fun to see people’s reactions,” said Trudie Cross.

Peterson’s favorite aspect of the picnic is seeing people he doesn’t normally see.

“This is a good day of fellowship; it’s to have a good time with family and friends,” Peterson said.

Sara Hall can be reached at 5817942 or [email protected].