Steve Seibert
Perhaps you’ve heard about it.
“Pay it forward” is the latest philanthropic activity catching the eyes and ears of the news media. It’s what we used to call a random act of kindness. Buy an extra slice of pizza, a cup of coffee or a drive-through meal for the next guy.
In fact, the practice of helping out others in our community seems like old news to most members of an electric cooperative. That’s because members of an electric cooperative value volunteering and participating in local charitable events. They create a sense of belonging and ownership in our communities. Helping the great people we all meet is just another benefit!
Sometimes we think community involvement is just something nice to do. But studies suggest that community involvement can significantly improve a person’s psychological, economic and physical health and can increase productivity and satisfaction.
As a member-owned electric cooperative, concern for community is one of the seven cooperative principles we live by every day. Getting involved in community clean-up days is just one of the ways we give back.
How can each of us resolve to make life better in our communities? Here are a few ideas:
The pay it forward concept doesn’t have to involve only money. In our community, consider volunteering your time, talent or treasures to organizations that pay it forward every day.
Participate in a community clean-up day.
Consider rounding up your bill to the nearest dollar for our Operation Round Up initiative.
The spare change you donate to Operation Round Up helps strengthen our community. Here are our recent fall grant winners:
- $3,800 — Evanston Civic Association
- $1,500 — Perry County Council on Aging
- $1,000 — Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association
- $500 — Spencer County Memorial Forest
- $1,000 — Chrisney Civic Association
- $1,000 — Spencer County Council on Aging
- $2,000 — Christian Resource Center
- $800 — Special Olympics Perry County
- $860 — Friends of Lincoln Pioneer Village
- $500 — Perry County Community School Corporation
- $2,000 — Spencer County 4-H/Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service
- $1,000 — Cannelton Volunteer Fire Department
- $1,000 — Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Department
Our members have rounded up their electric bills since 2006, donating more than $349,522 to service groups across our community.
The possibilities are endless. During this holiday season, we urge you to get involved in our community — a fun way to stay moving and active while enjoying the best your community has to offer!
STEVE SEIBERT
President/CEO
