Firelands Electric Cooperative dedicated to local youth

NEW LONDON — One way communities are made stronger is through the seventh electric cooperative principle, Concern for Community. This principle guides the long-standing and ongoing business decision to make donations and offer support to the local rural communities served by Firelands Electric Cooperative over the past 85 years. On June 9, Firelands Electric took part in Day 3 of New London FFA's Safety Town. Students in grades K-3 played electrical safety bingo, checked out a bucket truck and lineman equipment, learned about the dangers of overhead powerlines, and experimented with plasma balls. Approximately 40 students participated in the activities. "Firelands Electric Co-op is dedicated to the communities we serve," said Director of Communications and Information Technology Andrea Gravenhorst. In addition to promoting safety education for local youth and first responders, the electrical utility offers more than $10,000 in annual scholarships, sponsors opportunities to visit our nation's capital, and other youth programs. "Our cooperative's electrical safety and youth outreach programs exists to educate and empower our future members and leaders," Gravenhorst added. Firelands Electric also has a long-standing relationship with the Ohio State University Extension Office and Huron County's 4-H Camp Conger. On June 10 and 16, the cooperative assisted with the camp's electrical projects. "There has been a tradition for over three decades between the cooperative and camp, where typically 30 to 60 campers are assisted with the construction of table lamp and extension cord projects," says Gravenhorst. "Helping out at Camp Conger and interacting with the kids during camp is something we always enjoy." Firelands Electric Cooperative takes its commitment to investing in the communities it serves very seriously. The co-op supports many non-profit groups, local community events, and more on an annual basis. The cooperative even has a charitable trust fund known as Operation Round Up, which is supported by the members who volunteer to have their bills "rounded up" each month to the next whole dollar. Firelands Electric's Operation Round Up collects more than $40,000 each year, which is then distributed through charitable grants to local organizations and individuals to help meet special needs. More than $1.2 million has been donated since Operation Round Up began in 1995. In addition to giving monetary support, the co-op also donates volunteer support, time, and even resources to events and organizations whose goals and objectives align with theirs. "We don't just give lip service to the saying 'paying it forward'. Instead, we roll up our sleeves and do the work that needs to be done to make our communities a better place to live, work, play, and worship," Gravenhorst added.