Fayette Electric Cooperative's Sharing Success Charitable Contribution Program recently presented four area nonprofits with donations. This year the recipients were: Lavaca Assistance Ministry Body (LAMB) of Hallettsville; Serenitystar of Smithville; the Texas Ramp Project - Fayette County; and the Pilot Club of La Grange.

Serenitystar of Smithville received $8,000.00 to help provide a safe, sober environment for individuals recovering from addiction. The Lavaca Assistance Ministry Body (LAMB) of Hallettsville received $5,000.00 to help provide basic food items to households in need through the LAMB Manna Food Pantry. The Texas Ramp Project - Fayette County received $5,000.00 to purchase pressure treated lumber and hardware to build ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps for low-income adults and individuals with disabilities. The Pilot Club of La Grange received $2,000.00 to assist with their project, “Time Well Spent with Friends”, that brings Pilot Club and Anchor Club members together to provide programs for the area’s special needs adults and their caregivers.   

The Sharing Success Charitable Contribution Program is possible through a partnership between FEC and CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, and one of FEC’s lending partners. CoBank’s Sharing Success program started in 2012 as a way to give back to co-ops and the nonprofits they support. Aimed at supporting local communities and people, the program matches FEC’s charitable contributions to local nonprofit organizations. Since the program’s inception, CoBank and its customers have together provided more than $50 million in support to nonprofit organizations across the nation.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to financially strain communities, organizations that rely on donations are getting hit hard,” said Gary Don Nietsche, FEC general manager. “Thanks to CoBank’s generous support of a $10,000 matching grant this year, we will be able to provide financial assistance to four organizations that provide services in the communities that we serve.”  

Mike Cowley, CoBank electric distribution division vice president, affirmed the partnership’s value and highlighted its role in helping rural communities. “CoBank is proud to partner with Fayette Electric Cooperative to support these important organizations,” he said.  “Supporting the causes and organizations our customers care about most is a great way for the bank to make a positive impact and fulfill our mission of service to rural America.