Whether helping at a school or organization down the street, the efforts of volunteers may go unseen, but their support can be life changing. For some, this comes at an area food pantry, and for others, it is completed through a home building project. Regardless of the opportunity, the time to recognize the work volunteers do is now.
Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week honors the contributions and impact that volunteers have on their communities. At Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), this includes the work our team dedicates throughout the year at a variety of organizations. Through projects big and small, staff work together to support the growth and initiatives of the communities they live and work.
As an organization, we are proud to be good neighbors in the areas we serve. And as a team, we accomplish more, serving our communities - large and small - through a team effort. From raking leaves for southwest Michigan residents who are physically unable to do so, to making holiday magic come alive at a hospital with a boost from a bucket truck – together we can impact individuals from Rockport, Ind., to Bridgman, Mich.
Simply showing up is the first step. Providing extra hands can mean a lot to an organization and the individuals they care for. It can also leave an impact on an individual volunteer. For some at I&M, serving others is personal and for others, it has turned into a transformative passion.
Nitaya has been ballroom dancing for several years. As a Special Olympic athlete in track, basketball and bowling, she takes on each day with a purpose because of Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana. Every ballroom dancer needs a partner, and for the Dancing with the Arc Stars, Jarrod Wilson, I&M Distribution Dispatching Manager, was hers. After 10 weeks of dance lessons, the pair competed against 11 other pairs in this friendly competition and fundraiser. Read his full story on why volunteering takes center stage with this organization and several others in the community.
In 2023, our team logged over 1,600 hours of service to organizations throughout our region. This included time dedicated to opportunities within I&M locations, including stuffing stockings for Blessings in a Backpack, independent efforts like serving at Ronald McDonald House Charities and team projects like the United Way’s Day of Caring.
To read more about our volunteer work, and how we are powering the next community initiative, please visit the community section on our website.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kara Stevenson
Corporate Communications
260-446-5102
klstevenson@aep.com