As some of you might know, cooperatives across the globe adhere to the same Seven Cooperative Principles that guide all of our decisions — from how we run the co-op to how we engage with our local communities. Concern for community is the seventh principle, and it is one that all employees of Harrison REMC value year-round. But during the holiday season, concern for community seems especially important.

Electric cooperatives have a proud history of giving back. Harrison REMC, like many other co-ops, supports many community service initiatives. Most recently, we had two teams participate in the Repair Affair in Harrison County, and in September, we held the first annual fish fry to benefit Relay for Life of Harrison and Floyd counties. This past November, with the help of the membership, we collected food for local community service agencies.

Harrison REMC members help us give back, too. Through the Lend A Hand program, members can add money to their bills or give a one-time donation, and this money goes toward helping those in need, right here in all of the communities we serve.

So many families go without on a daily basis and struggle to make ends meet. This struggle can be especially hard during the holiday season.

There are many ways you can give back to the community that go beyond dollar donations. Take some time to go through your closets and find clothes that no longer fit or have lost their use. Bag those items up and take them to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill or church clothing drive. Volunteer for a local food or toy drive, deliver meals to the sick and the elderly or simply make a meal for a neighbor in need.

No matter how great or small the act, every time we give back, we strengthen our community. Take the time to give back this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did.