News > “Concern for Community” Lived Out by Stearns Electric Employee Volunteers

“Concern for Community” Lived Out by Stearns Electric Employee Volunteers

November 10, 2025

Cooperatives are guided by seven cooperative principles, and one principle that Stearns Electric Association and our employees live out all year long is “concern for community.” One of the ways we do this is by volunteering with our “My Co-op Cares” program. 

On September 9, Stearns Electric employees volunteered their time with Habitat for Humanity of Morrison County on a new home build in Little Falls. 

Nine Co-op employees utilized some of their talents, or learned new skills, to help complete all of the exterior wall insulation, install the plastic vapor barrier throughout the house and garage, and add siding to part of the home. 

“Everyone jumped in and did what needed to be done,” said employee volunteer Glen Kemper. “Some folks likely did a few things they have never done, but it was a great team effort with everyone helping each other out.” 

“It was a very successful day. We were able to do more projects than the construction manager was expecting, and it helped put their crew ahead of schedule,” volunteer Jeff Miller added. 

Later in the month, on September 24, six additional employee volunteers spent their afternoon with Crow River Trail Guards in Paynesville. 

Our volunteers brought a bucket truck and woodchipper on site to assist with some much-needed tree trimming, removal and clean up for overall park maintenance. Employees also helped freshen up the paint on the bathrooms and shelter. 

“It’s great to assist organizations that need help with things they may not be able to afford or don’t have people skilled in that area to get done on their own,” explained Jason Volkman, employee volunteer. “I think we make a lasting impression on the membership as well as the organizations we are doing the work for.” 

“Stearns Electric’s employees all worked hard and fast, and did great work,” Tom Koshiol, Crow River Trail Guards founder, said. “It was a much-needed facelift for our park and picnic area!” 

Stearns Electric’s “My Co-op Cares” program is in its seventh year of volunteering with various organizations throughout our service territory. “My Co-op Cares” allows Cooperative employees time to volunteer during the workday to benefit our area communities. Three times per year, Stearns Electric sends teams of employees out to local organizations and charitable causes to share their time and talents. 

The organizations aren’t the only beneficiaries of our “My Co-op Cares” events; employees get so much out of the experiences as well. 

“Seeing how appreciative the organizations are of the work we do makes it all worth it,” Jake Thoennes, an employee volunteer, said. “I also enjoy having time to work alongside and visit with coworkers we generally don’t work with most days.” 

“Beyond working with coworkers I don’t get to see often and building those relationships, it felt so good to give back and help build a house for a family to call home,” detailed Sue Rademacher, an employee volunteer.