United Way of McLeod County was named the winner of this year’s Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award, which was recently presented as part of Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s (MREA) annual meeting.
The organization was nominated by McLeod Cooperative Power, one of Great River Energy’s 27 member-owners, as part of an award program that honors local nonprofits or community groups that had a positive impact within the service territory covered by Minnesota Touchstone Energy cooperatives.
“This annual award was established to recognize organizations with a strong commitment to the local community, similar values to those of Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives,” said Joe Miller, a Minnesota Touchstone Energy representative and MREA’s director of communications.
United Way of McLeod County is being recognized for its youth activity scholarship program. This initiative provides financial assistance to young individuals who are unable to afford various educational and extracurricular activities. These activities include sports leagues, art classes, music lessons, leadership development workshops and STEM-related educational programs.
The scholarships ensure that McLeod County youth can engage in activities that have a positive influence on their lives. These diverse experiences enrich lives and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
“It means so much to our community of youth who want to participate in any activity. This past year we provided more than 130 students with scholarships totaling more than $10,000. The funds [received from Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives] will be a great benefit to our scholarship program.”
— Debra Siemsen, program manager at United Way of McLeod County
Last fall, Touchstone Energy cooperatives throughout the state presented local awards to individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to their communities. Those recipients were automatically entered for the statewide recognition.
“Minnesota is blessed with many individual, group and corporate citizens willing to donate time and effort to better our communities,” said Ron Meier, chief executive officer of McLeod Cooperative Power. “As Touchstone Energy cooperatives, we are pleased to pay special tribute to those who impact our communities in so many positive ways.”
Touchstone Energy is a nationwide alliance of about 600 local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives in 45 states dedicated to the values of integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. More than 30 of Minnesota’s electric cooperatives are part of the national Touchstone Energy brand.
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