News > Concern for Community Lived Out Through My Co-op Cares Program

Concern for Community Lived Out Through My Co-op Cares Program

November 22, 2024

At Stearns Electric Association, making a positive impact on our local communities isn’t just a priority – it’s a core cooperative principle. Through our “My Co-op Cares” program, our employees actively demonstrate their commitment to the places and people we serve.

“My Co-op Cares” allows employees time during the workday to volunteer for various organizations throughout our service territory.

Last month, 10 of our employee volunteers partnered with member-organization Camp Lebanon, located outside of Burtrum, to help complete some large projects ahead of the winter season.

One group of Stearns Electric volunteers finished staining the on-site wiffle ball stadium. This was a large project already close to completion and our employees got it across the finish line.

Another group of workers cleared brush, branches and trees that were overhanging the main driveway to camp, causing problems for larger vehicles. Stearns Electric volunteers used a Co-op bucket truck to reach trees and branches that Camp Lebanon workers wouldn’t have been able to do on their own, which was extremely helpful to the organization.

Carr’s Tree Service, a subsidiary of Stearns Electric, also donated time ahead of the event for their employees and tree cutting crews to help. Volunteers used their forestry mower to clear brush to make it easier for Stearns Electric volunteers to trim trees. Carr’s Tree Service volunteers will return later to take down a very large “danger tree.”

“The driveway into our camp looks well-trimmed and our wiffle ball field looks fabulous!” Scott Shoemaker, Director of Site and Facilities at Camp Lebanon, said. “This is a real blessing. Stearns Electric volunteers accomplished projects that have taken years for us to get to.”

The Co-op’s “My Co-op Cares” events benefit the organizations we assist, but our employees get a lot out of volunteering, too.

“It was rewarding to see the before and after of the wiffle ball court. We really made a difference in a short amount of time,” said employee volunteer, Cindy Anderson.

Glen Kemper, employee volunteer, added, “The atmosphere is different when we are volunteering. People are not focused on their everyday jobs, and it allows employees to get to know each other better.”

Our employee volunteers worked hard at Camp Lebanon and were rewarded with a trip down the zipline to close out the day.

“Sharing lunch together and sending you [employee volunteers] on the zipline proved to be a great way for our team to connect with yours,” explained Camp Lebanon Executive Director, Bill Abeler. “What a great day! What a great program! And what a great blessing for our Camp!”