On Saturday, May 13, 2017, employees from Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (PPEC) spent the morning giving back to the community. Each year, PPEC does a community service project as a way to give back, following one of the Seven Cooperative Principles, “Concern for Community.”
This year, PPEC volunteered at the Van Wert County Humane Society. However, the day didn’t revolve around the typical volunteer roles of playing with dogs or feeding cats. Instead, employees painted the garage, replaced and moved the flag pole, landscaped around the house, fixed quarantine units, and made a new mailbox.
Judy Wygant, a member of the C.R.E.W. (Community Relations and Employee Wellness) committee, felt the time spent at the shelter was well worth it. C.R.E.W. works together to plan special events for PPEC with wellness and community service in mind. “The Humane Society is a wonderful organization that gets very little recognition,” Wygant said. “Countless animals are abandoned and face starvation, painful injuries, and illness. Without this organization, these animals would be on the streets with no hope or end to this suffering. I was extremely excited to help them in any way possible. Giving an animal the chance of a happy life is immeasurable.”
The humane society was grateful for the 25 employees who sacrificed their Saturday morning. “Whether it is big or small, we care and will do what we can to help,” said C.R.E.W committee member Jeff Ferris. “There was a huge change from the time we started to the time we finished. When all of the employees work together, it makes things look easy, and it turned out to be a great success.”
For four years now, PPEC continues to stand by its cooperative principles. C.R.E.W. member Peter Niagu said he feels giving back is crucial to honor the co-op’s roots. “Eighty years ago, the community came together to form the electric cooperative, strengthening the lives of our members,” he said. “This is why it is extremely important to continue giving back to the community, strengthening it as we did 80 years ago. We should never forget what it means to be part of Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative and where we came from.”
You can find pictures from the service day on PPEC Facebook’s page and website, www.ppec.coop.
