Over the years, you’ve probably heard or read about Orange County REMC’s concern for our community. This is one of the core principles that sets cooperatives apart from other types of utilities and businesses. We’ve always taken this mission and responsibility to heart. It’s who we are as a co-op and during the holiday season, concern for the community seems especially important.
Electric cooperatives have a proud history of giving back. Many of our employees are involved in non-profit organizations and community groups. They are also youth sports coaches and church leaders. Some of our lineworkers are also volunteer firemen, or former military members.
Orange County REMC members help us give back, too. Through the Operation Round Up program, members can round up their energy bills to the next dollar amount, and the extra change goes toward helping those in need, right here in our community. You can learn more about this unique program on our website, myremc.coop. Also watch this magazine next month, as we highlight some of the most recent recipients of Operation Round Up grants, and the work that is being done in our local community by hard-working non-profit groups.
Our commitment is also national. We sometimes send lineworkers to help in storm recovery so they can help restore power to thousands of people who are affected by large-scale natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes.
This time of year makes me also think of the many families that struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis. 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, mission-based thrift store 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. So take the time to give back this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did. We know that our core job is to keep the lights on; but our passion is our community. Because we live and work here too, and we want to make it a better place for all.
