Aiken Cooperatives Unite to Aid Community Recovery
In the sunny city of Aiken, where the weather is a delightful 85°F today with clear skies and gentle winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph from the WSW, a heartwarming display of community spirit is unfolding. After facing the challenging aftermath of a recent hurricane, residents here are receiving a much-needed boost from unexpected friends up north.
Generosity From Wisconsin
For the past two weeks, electric cooperatives from the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) have been hard at work helping repair the power lines that were downed as a result of the storm. And just when the community thought that the restoration efforts might be winding down, a special delivery arrived on Saturday morning that reignited the hope and solidarity among residents.
A semi-truck from the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association rolled into town, bringing with it a treasure trove of essential items. Keyatta Priester, the Community Development Director at Aiken Electric Cooperative, expressed gratitude for this generous contribution. “It’s a donation of essential items that’s going to go towards the community and the great team at United Way of Aiken County is going to be responsible for managing that effort,” Priester explained, highlighting the collaborative efforts taking place.
Community Collaboration
Even after many skilled linemen and workers from WECA made the journey down south to assist the residents of Aiken with power restoration, they didn’t stop there. Their continued commitment to lend a hand showcases the essence of community spirit. “We truly believe in serving one another, coming together and partnering,” said Priester. “This really goes to show our commitment to the community, and how our sister co-ops throughout the country and nation have come together.”
The items shipped from Wisconsin are set to be distributed by the United Way of Aiken, which has been tirelessly working to provide for clients in need. Ellen Luton, the President of United Way Aiken, emphasized the importance of this shipment, stating, “Aiken Electric Co-op was instrumental in getting this shipment here and instrumental from the beginning of the disaster itself.” She also noted how Priester has been pivotal in securing grants to ensure that partner agencies have the resources they need to assist locals during this tough time.
A Driver With a Purpose
The semi-truck was driven by none other than Leonard Myles, who shared his thoughts on making such deliveries. Although he described this as his everyday job, there was something particularly rewarding about this trip. “It feels pretty good to know that I helped the victims here of the hurricane,” Myles remarked, showcasing how everyone involved plays a vital role in the larger effort to provide relief.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Aiken continues to bask in the lovely weather, the generosity and unity displayed by both the local and out-of-state cooperatives create a sense of hope and resilience in the community. Local residents are filled with gratitude as they witness the collaborative spirit that transcends state lines, proving that in times of need, neighbors become family. Together, they are working hand in hand to restore what was lost and to support one another in moving forward.
With the unwavering efforts from both Aiken Electric Cooperative and their friends from Wisconsin, it’s clear that this community is not only about recovering from a storm but also about emerging stronger and more united than ever.
