Cooperative Awards More Than $38,000 to Texas Hill Country Nonprofits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(JOHNSON CITY, Texas) December 12, 2024 — Pedernales Electric Cooperative is committed to giving back to the Texas Hill Country communities it helps power. This holiday season, in the spirit of giving, PEC awarded $38,500 in community grants to 9 area nonprofits. PEC Community Grants are made possible through the generosity of members enrolled in the cooperative’s Power of Change Program. The voluntary program allows members to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar for charity.
PEC grant recipients can use funds for projects related to capital improvements, energy efficiency, and technology to further their missions that keep our communities bright and strong. Recently, the cooperative expanded the program to include options for anyone to make a one-time donation through PayPal and Venmo.
“We’re pleased to provide these important funds to nonprofit organizations who are making strides in improving our communities with their missions in action,” said Celeste Mikeska PEC community relations manager. “But none of this could happen without the generosity of our members, so we’d like to thank them for joining together to make a difference.”
Since 2016, PEC members have raised more than $873,000 for Power of Change to help support nonprofits, provide financial assistance to members who need help paying their electric bills, and to support educational programs in area schools.
Learn more about PEC’s latest Community Grant Recipients.
· Hill Country Family Services, which serves the City of Boerne and Kendall County, received a $5,000 grant to help fund a safety app to help communicate important messages during emergencies. HCFS is committed to fostering mental and physical wellness, stability and independence for individuals and families who are in crisis.
· Junction Community After School Program will use its $5,000 grant to purchase a new HVAC for its new building. The program provides after-school programs and activities for students in Junction ISD.
· Hats Off for Veterans is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Texas veterans through higher education scholarships, professional development opportunities, and access to mental health counseling resources. The nonprofit in Kyle will use its $5,000 grant to facilitate the purchase of new technology equipment for veterans pursuing degrees and skilled trade certifications.
· The Bamberger Ranch Preserve in Johnson City is a nonprofit committed to teaching ethical land stewardship through seminars, research labs for scientists, and nature camps for students. They will use its $5,000 grant to make improvements to their greenhouse.
· Project MEND, in San Antonio serves Blanco, Comal, Hays, and Kendall counties, by providing refurbished medical equipment to those who cannot afford the items. The nonprofit also helps those who are faced with gaps in their insurance coverage. Project MEND will use its $5,000 grant to purchase monitors and computers to assist their clients.
· A $5,000 grant to the Highland Lakes Crisis Network in Marble Falls will help purchase air conditioning for its shelters. The nonprofit unites the community by connecting a network of local churches and mobilizing people and resources in acts of community service including being ready to respond in the event of a natural disaster. The group also focuses on ending generational poverty by serving vulnerable families, women and children.
· Provisions, a Bulverde-based food pantry, is dedicated to helping people who are struggling to meet the basic needs of day-to-day living. The nonprofit will use its grant of $1,100 to purchase two freezers for its food pantry.
· The Williamson Museum received a $2,400 grant to purchase energy-efficient lighting that will help preserve artifacts and exhibit items highlighting the rich history of Williamson County.
· Candlelight Ranch, committed to providing educational and nature-based experiences for families and children of all abilities to learn, explore, and heal, will use its grant of $5,000 to purchase a rainwater barrel to maintain a garden and aid in the environmental education and conservation efforts of the ranch.
Learn more about PEC’s Power of Change Program and enroll online at mypec.com/change.
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