Nonprofit organizations around the state are reviving a helping hand from several trade unions today. As NY1's Bree Driscoll explains the relationship is mutually beneficial.
The Mary A. Whalen is the last of her kind. The coastal oil tanker is nearly 78 years old, and beginning to show her age.
"She is a combination of structurally incredible strong and cosmetically weary," said Carolina Salguero, president of Portside New York.
That's where Local 806 steps in.
Members of the bridge painters union are giving Mary a facelift.
"It's a big project but you know we do all the bridges so we are used to big projects," said Brian Casey a service representative for Local 806.
It is all part of a community day of action where trade unions across New York are improving nonprofit organizations free of charge.
"Just giving back to the community goes them a sense of pride," Casey said.
And Mary, which is used for educational and cultural programming, gets a fresh coat of paint, interior restoration and new portals so future generations can appreciate her.
"It's particularly great that we are preserving these assets on the national registry of historic places," Casey said.
Not only are nonprofits around the state benefiting from the day of action but the trade unions benefit as well.
They use these projects as training for their apprentices.
"There are a couple things that the field will throw at you that in class you just won't see," said Michael Andrade an apprentice with Local 806.
"I have to feel the pressure to do my job," said Arlinda Delgado, an apprentice with Local 806.
A job that today has gone from working with their hands to lending a helping hand.