Katie Stiel
The Paw Print
One day while silently observing the guests at La Puente’s Shelter, I noticed guests with scrapped fingers, callused hands and sun burnt skin. Throughout our conversation during our lunch, I learned that several of the guests were migrant workers. The injuries I saw were from their intense labor from gleaning, harvesting or sorting produce. An incredible amount of appreciation for Migrant workers started to formulate, along with a new sense of concern for their harsh working conditions tagged along.
My motherly instincts kicked in as I told them they needed to put band aides on their wounds. They began to look at me with question, as I quickly realized they did not know the shelter provided band aids. Bright smiles quickly bridged upon the sheltered guests, as they learned the shelter has band aids to bandage their wounds. We ended our conversations when I asked them to make sure they take care of their injuries immediately. With great appreciation in advance, you can help to continuously replenish donations for bandages at La Puente Home.
As a recent resident of Colorado, Migrant season has become a fairly new concept for me to learn. Migrant workers are the hardest workers I have encountered. They work under the toughest conditions in efforts to support their family back home. Migrant workers serve a vital role for the United States. Their job entails working under harsh conditions in the heat, harvesting or sorting through produce. They spend their days gleaning produce such as potatoes, carrots, lettuce and more. Their labor results in the reasoning our produce prices remain at an affordable price. Also, the United States demands a high amount of unskilled labor such as gleaning, picking and other farming needs.
Millions seek employment outside their home in efforts to support their families. Because of the several causes of poverty and the rise of unemployment in developing countries Migrant work creates job opportunity outside their country of origin. Migrant workers renew a work visa each year. They travel state to state throughout the span of their stay and wire money back to support their families left at home. Unfortunately, migrant workers seek no social protection from their job; and often serve as targets of human traffickers.
Politically, the debate of illegal immigration continues to prevail. Shining light on the lives of migrant workers and providing facts about their work is my intention. Migrant workers work under severe conditions most United States citizens are not willing to work under. Personally, I have harvested carrots for La Puente a few hours one Saturday. By the time noon hit, the sun’s beating rays fatigued me as my work productivity level slurred to an immediate stop when someone mentioned lunch.
With high admiration for Migrant workers and the work they complete during Migrant Season–please be sure to donate! At La Puente Home every bed, cot, and piece of furniture are currently full! Shelter employees are currently providing floor space with bedding for shelter guests. The shelter is in high need of sunscreen, lotion, blankets, food appropriate for sack lunches, hygiene and first aid kits for migrant workers.
Please deliver donations to 913 State Avenue. For more information, call 589-5909.
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