Throughout the year, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) actively commits to supporting local organizations and initiatives, but most importantly – we support our neighbors. During the holiday season, backed by staff volunteering time and resources, these opportunities become especially impactful.
Fort Wayne
The power of a positive message is undeniable. So are socks and a snack. Through our partnership with Fort Wayne’s Blessings in a Backpack, staff spent an afternoon crafting special holiday themed treat bags for local students facing food insecurity. These came complete with a handwritten positive note in each bag.
See: Students Receive Holiday Bags, Handwritten Cards from I&M Team
On a brisk December day, I&M volunteers spent time preparing and serving a day’s worth of meals at Fort Wayne’s Rescue Mission. This opportunity to support the community during the holiday season, and beyond, is possible with support from the AEP Foundation serving as a sponsor of the Rescue Mission’s holiday meals. Through this initiative, thousands of meals are served during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
See: A Warm Meal to Brighten the Holidays
For the third year, staff collected new coats, winter gear and toys through November to benefit SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect) in Fort Wayne. Items collected across our Fort Wayne locations will benefit local families during the holidays.
See: A Gift Beyond a Coat and Hat
Muncie
In addition to the AEP Foundation serving as the presenting sponsor for Meridian Health’s “Holidays at Gresham,” a team of 25-plus I&M and AEP transmission volunteers helped set up the display. With just one day to accomplish weeks’ worth of work, the team was busy decorating Santa’s House, hanging garland and stringing lights – with help from the 150’ transmission bucket truck.
See: Popular Holiday Display Completed Thanks to I&M Team
South Bend/Elkhart
I&M’s chapter of the Military Veteran’s Employee Resource Group (MVERG) led volunteers as they participated in the “Wreaths Across America” event. This initiative gathers thousands across the county on the second Saturday in December to lay wreaths at the headstones of veterans. As the wreaths are placed, participants say the name of the veteran to ensure the legacy of duty, service and sacrifice of each veteran is never forgotten. Staff in South Bend, Muncie and Fort Wayne participated in efforts in their respective areas.
Highlighting the kickoff to the holidays, Elkhart hosted its Winterfest Parade and Tree Lighting the first Saturday in December. Festive floats, including I&M’s bucket truck decked in holiday lights with “Santa” in the bucket, made their way down Main Street. Alongside the I&M float was none other than Louie the Lightning Bug. After the parade, the community gathered to light the Christmas tree and kick off the holiday season in style.
Southwest Michigan
Downtown Benton Harbor comes to life with festive lights around the holidays. The space’s largest tree, however, remained dark. Due to the size of the tree and the labor costs associated with wrapping it in lights, decorating it was not always an option – until now. Our crews from Michigan got to work, wrapping the large tree in lights, to add to the holiday magic for the community in downtown.
Cook Plant
Staff at the Cook Plant once again organized their Toys for Tots campaign to support local families in southwest Michigan during the holiday season. Together, teams from all departments at the plant collected nine boxes full of toys and board games to benefit local families.
Rockport Plant
Through its annual Christmas Angel program, Rockport employees “adopt” local children to add joy to their holiday. As a result of their efforts, the team was able to provide 47 children with warm winter coats, hats, gloves, clothing items and toys.
Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities from Rockport, Ind. to Bridgman, Mich. and how staff are making a difference through volunteering.