A group of men wearing hard hats and gloves gather around a table filled with wrapped presents.
A nondescript building at the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay is the backdrop for the men as they start collecting the gifts. As Santa poses for photos with the workers, it highlights the dichotomy of pipe fitters and welders taking off time from their shifts to partake in the spirit of holiday charity.
Three work groups at the Yard raised $11,500 to purchase Christmas gifts and food for 13 families with 44 children. The tradition started in the mid-1990s with one group, but grew this year with the three groups raising the largest amount in their history.
Workers on site say it was a friendly competition, with the Yard's Services Group raising the most among the three with $5,000. The group's various workers verbally tug and pull at each other, with members of the Electro and Structural Groups saying there's "no chance" the Services Group wins it next year.
Adam Cole, the general foreman of the Yard Structural Group, said the effort started early in the year with 50-50 raffles and local fundraisers and turned into a bit of a competition as the year went on. It's the first time his group was involved in the effort.
"Obviously it goes toward a good cause, so everyone wants to outdo the next one," Cole said.
Granted, the Services Group won and member Joe Meyers spoke about how it ultimately brought the team closer together.
"It brought a lot of us together and it brought a lot of camaraderie, and it just feels good to give," Meyers said.