Our Care for Community Initiative Team was established in 2023 as an employee-driven effort focused on helping our members along with non-profit organizations serving members.  In early 2024, we were recognized with a $5,000 grant award from our meter vendor, Tantalus, which helping fund Turkey & Toys.

Turkey & Toys was a drive-through turkey giveaway event paired with our annual toy collection for Toys for Tots.  Turkeys were distributed on a first-come, first served basis at Bennet's Food Center in Plainview and Fareway Meat & Grocery in Stewartville.  There were 360 turkeys distributed between the two sites and 160 items collected for Toys for Tots.

We were happy to add some sparkle to the holiday season!

Dairyland Power Cooperative Day of Service

On October 2, our Care for Community Initiative joined forces with Dairyland Power Cooperative and MiEnergy Cooperative to spend the day volunteering at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo just outside of Byron, Minnesota.

Dairyland Power Cooperative launched ‘Day of Service’ last year to recognize National Co-op Month and their commitment to the cooperative principles of Cooperation Among Cooperatives and Concern for Community.  Each year, they’ve coordinated six service projects located throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois to give back to the communities they serve.  This year, People’s Energy Cooperative hosted the work site in Minnesota.

Over 35 volunteers from three cooperatives descended on Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo to provide help with several projects.  The crews painted animal enclosures; placed mulch into several animal exhibits to prepare for winter; cut, split, and stacked wood; removed several trees near exhibits; and cut, removed, and cleaned up plants and shrubs near exhibits.

“Oxbow Park would not be the gem it is without groups like yours, as well as all the volunteers that we are blessed with throughout the year!” shared Lonnie Hebl, Oxbow Park manager.  “Volunteer hours that are contributed to Olmsted County parks throughout the year equate to seven full-time employees.  It is a real game changer for us; we welcome all who want to come and help us make your parks a better place to visit.”

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo serve as important resources for the region.  We were proud to make such a positive impact on both our people and animal neighbors!

In early 2024, we were proud to collect over 100 items for local food shelves through our campaign 'Stock the Shelves'.

2023 Employee Campaigns by the Numbers

74 items collected for Paws and Claws Humane Society
$520 donated to Paws and Claws Humane Society

$1,820 pledged in support of United Way of Olmsted County

50+ toys collected for Toys for Tots

Our first employee volunteer event brought us to H.O.P.E. Ranch located west of Chatfield.  H.O.P.E. Ranch is a mental health organization which utilizes horses and the outdoors to help people through their mental health journey.  They have a small group of volunteers that help manage the property.  Although there was much work that could be done, our employees were able to plant twelve small tress, removed an old perimeter fence, spread mulch, and removed low-hanging vines and branches from a walking path.