H.U.G.S. Grant Lights Up the Library
Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. (Helping Us Give to Society) program awarded $5,000 in grant funds to the Stanton County Library on Nov. 17, 2021. The cooperative also presented the library with $2,500 in grant funds from CoBank, the cooperative’s primary lender. The money will help purchase light fixtures, replacing the library’s original fluorescent fixtures with energy-efficient LED panels.
“Replacing the current lighting with a new lighting system is going to be a significant upgrade,” said Colleen Kilbreath, Stanton County Library’s director. “The new lights will improve the building, the work environment, and the experience of our library users. They will also reduce our future energy consumption.”
Kilbreath stated the library has been proactive in combating energy costs; the lighting project will continue to support its savings plan.
“Like our H.U.G.S. program, the Stanton County Library is committed to recycling,” said Anita Wendt, vice president of energy services for Pioneer Electric. “We appreciate the opportunity to help them bring this project to fruition and make a positive impact on not just Stanton County, but the communities that surround it as well.”
Funds for the H.U.G.S. program are generated through the recycling of scrap materials. Additional information regarding the H.U.G.S. program is available at www.pioneerelectric.coop.
Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. Team presented the Stanton County Library with $7,500 in grant funds on Nov. 17. The grant will help the library fund its new LED lighting project.
Medical Needs Transport Bus Aims to Aid Elderly
In southwest Kansas, it’s not uncommon to make a trek for groceries, supplies or doctor appointments. For many, having to make a drive is little more than a minor inconvenience, but others struggle securing transportation for appointments crucial to their health.
Travel to larger cities, such as Garden City, is critical to the health care of southwest Kansans. From regular doctor’s appointments to dialysis, some community members rely on friends or family for transportation if they cannot transport themselves. Seeing the growing need for a transport system in southwest Kansas, members of the Ulysses community formed Southwest Health Transport, Inc., an initiative aimed at providing bus transportation for elderly persons traveling for medical appointments.
“Having a transportation system in place to aid our elderly community will be a huge benefit to the community,” said Steve Brom, chairperson for Southwest Health Transport, Inc.
The team applied for a KDOT 5310 bus grant and was approved for the entirety of the bus’s cost in 2021. Under the guidelines of the grant, funds are awarded “to provide transportation services to meet the needs of elderly and persons with disabilities.”
“The bus will be able to transport those with medical needs to their appointments taking the burden off themselves and their families,” said Brom.
Southwest Health Transport, Inc. estimates over 900 people could benefit from the addition of a medical needs bus transportation system in Ulysses. The 14-passenger bus will be open to those in Ulysses and the surrounding areas with medical appointments in Garden City on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The bus will also be available to non-elderly and persons with disabilities if their transportation needs meet the terms specified by Southwest Health Transport, Inc. Caregivers will also be able to ride the bus when space is available.
“Our main goal is to help our community get the medical care they need,” said Ruby Romero, Southwest Health Transport, Inc. board member.
In November, Southwest Health Transport, Inc. received $5,000 in grant funds courtesy of Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. (Helping Us Give to Society) program and an additional $5,000 in grants from CoBank’s Sharing Success Program. These funds will help Southwest Health Transport, Inc. cover portions of the cost associated with taxes, operating expenses, labor and maintenance.
“Projects like Southwest Health Transport’s bus are what the H.U.G.S. program was created to help with,” said Anita Wendt, Pioneer’s vice president of energy services and H.U.G.S. team member.
Funds for the program are created when the cooperative recycles scrap material stripped from utility poles. Over time, funds accumulate and can become substantial. When enough money is available, Pioneer Electric seeks out projects with a focus on improving the communities and members it serves.
Organizations with a project that fits the program’s guidelines may apply anytime by submitting a complete application. The application and additional details about the H.U.G.S. program can be found at www.pioneerelectric.coop under the “My Community” tab. Members with questions about the program or application can call Anita Wendt at 620-356-1211 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Pioneer Electric presents $10,000 in grant funds courtesy of its H.U.G.S. program and CoBank to members of the Southwest Kansas Health Transport Board. Pictured (from left) are Steve Brom, Anita Wendt, John Nickel, Carmina Soto and Rae Gorman.