While we continuously give back to our customers and communities, it means a bit more during the holiday season. From ensuring families have food on their tables to toys under the tree, here are ten ways I&M is spreading cheer.
Blessings in a Backpack – I&M workers packed roughly 1,000 Turkey Totes for Blessing in a Backpack in Fort Wayne. The totes were delivered before the Thanksgiving holiday and included food like mac and cheese, snacks and handwritten notes.
Rake a Difference – Volunteers from I&M’s three southwest Michigan service centers and the D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant worked in teams across Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties to remove leaves and various debris from 14 houses to help seniors and those who may be physically unable to rake or pay for similar services.
Power Up our Pantries Food Drive: Due to the government shutdown and loss of SNAP benefits for many in the community, the local food pantries were under significant strain, leaving cupboards bare for local families in need. From November 3 to November 13, Cook Plant employees collected canned goods, personal-care and household items to support local food pantries and families in the community. Donation boxes were set up around Cook Plant to collect these much-needed items and Cook Plant employees delivered, showing the true Heart of Cook to support our local families in need.
Lights at Gresham – A team of 25 employees paired up to make the magic of “Holidays at Gresham” come to life in Muncie. I&M sponsored the Meridan Health Services drive-through lights exhibit at the agency’s Suzanne Gresham Center. The I&M team accomplished a week’s worth of work in just one day.
Night of Lights – The historic Merry Christmas wreath is ushering in the holiday spirit outside I&M’s headquarters in downtown Fort Wayne. The wreath was lit during the traditional Night of Lights event. It made its first appearance in 1937 and has more than 8,000 LED lights.
Festival of Trees – I&M’s tree is on display in Fort Wayne as part of the annual Festival of Trees – which is the Embassy Theatre Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event. The I&M Foundation is a proud sponsor of this event. This year, Carroll High School students decorated the tree meant to be Santa’s Power Plant – complete with workers and bucket trucks.
Holiday Parades and Lighting Assistance – I&M employees and everyone’s favorite mascot, Louie the Lightning Bug, spread holiday cheer in festive parades in Muncie and Elkhart. Employees decked out bucket trucks with lights and waved at customers in their communities where they live and work. Benton Harbor employees also helped decorate a large tree using their bucket trucks to let the holiday spirit shine for all to see.
Wreaths Across America – I&M employees honored our nation’s heroes through the national event where wreaths are placed at the headstones of veterans. Volunteers spoke the veteran’s name aloud ensuring their service is not forgotten. Employees took part in Fort Wayne, Marion and South Bend, Ind., Buchanan, Mich. and Owensboro, Ky.
Toys for Tots: Cook Nuclear Plant employees, once again, kept the tradition of making Christmas morning brighter for families across Berrien County by supporting the Toys for Tots program. During the past six years, Cook Plant employees have contributed 60 large boxes full of toys, bikes, books and more to the Toys for Tots program. In another amazing show of generosity, Cook Plant employees filled 11 boxes with toys and other gifts for local children this year.
Rockport Christmas Angel Program – Rockport Plant employees helped 45 local children from the community’s head start program experience a happy holiday through the annual “Christmas Angels” event. Employees made sure each child receives a winter coat, a new outfit and a new toy. The plant’s employees served as elves and delivered presents to the school.
From all of us at I&M, we truly enjoy showing support for our communities where we live, work, and to make the holidays happy for all ages. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday.