My favorite time of the year | Lynches River Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Christmas is my favorite time of the year! In fact, you can hear Christmas music playing around my office as early as September. It’s never too early to play Christmas music or even to deck the halls. The spirit of gratitude and giving is more prevalent during the holidays, making life a little sweeter. As we embark on the 2022 holiday season, I’d like to reflect on Lynches River Electric Cooperative’s and Rivernet Connect’s remarkable year of serving and giving back to the community—a favorite part of my job.

During this past year, Operation Round Up gave $72,254.46 to assist LREC members with devastating life events. These funds are raised by members that participate in the program and have their electrical bill rounded to the next dollar, averaging about $6 per year. If you’re not already participating in ORU, I encourage you to do so. More information can be found on the website.

The LIGHT Foundation was founded to positively impact the community by improving the quality of life for those in need. The Annual Auction and Golf for Good Tournament raised $62,000 for The LIGHT Foundation. The foundation has contributed to local church missions, community programs, medical expenses and equipment, youth sports, and meals. Last November, Lynches River and RiverNet employees delivered 85 full Thanksgiving meals to families and hope to serve even more members of the community this year. During Christmas, employees volunteered to shop and deliver Christmas gifts to three families. I’m proud to be part of a workforce that gives their personal time to make these events successful.

Smiling Ms. Jones holding flowers and a mylar "thank-you" balloon. — Member Pamela Jones was the winner of the LREC Who Powers You contest.

LREC also values education and has donated more than $16,000 to various educational entities. In June, the co-op sponsored Clara Grace Branham and Olivia Ritchie from North Central High School and Sawyer Becker from Cheraw High School to attend the Washington Youth Tour. Over six days, the students learned about electric cooperatives and U.S. democracy. In July, Ritchie also attended the Cooperative Youth Summit in Columbia.

Pamela Jones, a Heath Springs resident and LREC member, won $500 in the LREC-sponsored Who Powers You contest for making a difference in the cooperative community. She established Camp Lifeline, an eight-week summer camp program for elementary students.

In addition to monetary donations, LREC and RNC have assisted with service-related needs in the community. A local organization requested assistance with setting up an event, Pageland’s town clock needed to be reset after repairs, employees volunteered to assist with the town trash pick-up drive, not to mention the volunteering and financial aid given through WIRE. Our commitment of service to our members and the community holds strong.

The apostle Paul emphasized Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I have experienced this many times and encourage you to do at least one thing this season that will bless others. I guarantee you will be blessed!