Dakota Electric Ups Volunteer Efforts for 75th Anniversary Year

In honor of Dakota Electric Association’s 75th anniversary, employees have decided to step up their volunteer efforts in local communities.

The employees’ goal for 2012 is to promote participation in activities that haven’t typically been done by the company in the past, and in different areas, according to a press release.

The first volunteer event this year was packing food for Feed My Starving Children in Eagan during two nights in January. They and other volunteers were able to pack more than 26,000 meals, which is enough food to feed 74 children for an entire year, according to the release.

In February, employees packaged powdered soap to be distributed by local food shelves. In March, they filled birthday bags with gifts through south metro nonprofit organization Cheerful Givers; the bags were then delivered to food shelves around the county and the B. Robert Lewis House in Eagan.

In April, employees spent time doing odd jobs at a local YMCA camp, Camp Streefland, in Lakeville. Employees enjoyed the time raking, moving wood, hauling rock, spreading mulch and more.

“These volunteer opportunities are a great way to give back to the communities,” said Corey Willert, a Dakota Electric employee and volunteer.

Dakota Electric is planning other volunteer opportunities in 2012 as part of the cooperative celebrating 75 years of service. The company was named the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for 2011 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, according to the news release.

“We are happy that we have employees who care about the local communities and are willing to give their time,” Malinda Mehrhoff, human resources manager, said. “Besides our legacy of bringing safe, reliable electricity to the area, we hope our volunteer efforts and community involvement make an impact.”

Dakota Electric Association provides electricity to more than 100,000 members in Dakota County, and portions of Goodhue, Rice and Scott counties.