The backbone of a cooperative is without a doubt its infrastructure. Poles, lines and equipment provide support and structure to the communities we serve. But, like a body, the pieces working together inside of the cooperative are just as important. Pioneer Electric believes in more than just powering homes and businesses; we believe in powering our members on a deeper level through initiatives that give back to the communities we live, work and play in. Which is why we created Pioneer Electric’s Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.). In early January, Pioneer Electric presented two organizations with over $12,000 in grant funding.
American Legion Post 79 — $2,900
Members of Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. team met with representatives of the American Legion Post 79 on Jan. 4 in Ulysses to present the legion with a $2,900 grant. Funds from the grant will be used to replace grass at the Veterans Memorial with a rockscape.
“Replacing the grass at the memorial will save the legion approximately $1,450 per year,” said Kyle Stringham, a member of the legion. “We’ll be able to use the money saved to make resources available to veterans in Grant County.”
The legion also hopes to replace a cedar fence along the memorial’s east side.
“We’re proud to partner with the legion and community of Ulysses on this project for a number of reasons,” Anita Wendt, Pioneer Electric vice president of Energy Services, said. “Not only will this help the legion make more of an impact for the veterans in the area but also bring great improvements to such an honorable monument.”
Stanton County Health Coalition — $10,000
The Stanton County Health Coalition was also awarded $10,000 in grants on Jan. 10 courtesy of H.U.G.S. The grant will be used to complete work on the coalition’s walking path project.
“The overall well-being of Stanton County residents is the top priority of the Stanton County Health Coalition,” Jennifer Rios, coalition member, said. “The walking path will benefit every resident in the community.”
Rios stated that, in addition to the one-mile walking path, funds have also been raised to include a gazebo, picnic tables and benches along the path.
Over the years, the H.U.G.S. program has been able to provide grant funding to organizations willing to take steps in improving, expanding or beautifying their communities. While developed to be a resource for communities, the program does have stipulations, one being that organizations must be a 501(c)3, charitable, organization. In addition to non-profit status, an organizations project must fall within one or more of the following categories: human needs, education, culture and arts, civic or environment.
Wendt says there’s no project too big or too small for H.U.G.S.
“At the end of the day, it’s about helping our communities grow and become stronger,” Wendt said.
Organizations interested in applying for grant funding through Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. program may review
the application and guidelines listed online at www.pioneerelectric.coop or contact Anita Wendt by calling 620-356-1211 or emailing awendt@pioneerelectric.coop.