Like many New Yorkers, Plainedge Federation of Teachers retiree Sheila Goldberg has fond memories of Stella D'oro cookies.

But after hearing from workers about how the new owner wanted the unionized bakers to give up sick time, four holidays and vacation benefits; take a 25 percent pay cut; and pay more toward health insurance, those memories have soured.

After reading about NYSUT's efforts to support the Bronx factory workers, who have been out for 10 months, she wanted to help.

A political action coordinator, Goldberg raises money for causes she believes in. Her top two are VOTE-COPE, NYSUT's voluntary political action campaign, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

She's added helping the striking Stella D'oro workers as her third. For three weeks in May she made as many presentations as she could.

"I reminded people about the Levittown strike in 1978, and how many locals on Long Island agreed to collect $5 a week per member to help that local survive," Goldberg said.

Levittown's teachers were out for 42 school days in 1978.

Within weeks of hearing about the Stella D'oro workers, Goldberg had raised more than $1,700. On a bus to a May 30 rally, Goldberg stood up to make her pitch again.

"These 135 Bronx mothers, fathers, and grandmothers who work at Stella D'oro have been going 10 months without their salary," Goldberg said.

Soon the total was up to $2,000. Then it went a little higher as Elaine Berman of the Port Washington Retired Educators came up with an additional $9 so the total could match the current year.

Goldberg is not stopping there.

"These workers have no choice. They deserve a living wage," Goldberg said.

"Many teachers know what it's like to be on strike, and we simply have to help these workers," she added. "We have to stand up and speak out against this kind of union-busting."