The middle of this month marks a milestone for something truly special. On Oct. 15, it will be the 10^th anniversary of the Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service. The annual state-wide volunteer event is a day set aside to simply serve others. For 10 years, co-ops across the state have been going out into their communities on this day to lend a helping hand because truly that’s what the cooperative spirit is all about.

From hosting bingo at senior centers, to planting trees for an arboretum development to even assembling and delivering snack bags to first responders — the Day of Service projects reflect and put into action the Seventh Cooperative Principle of “Concern for Community”. This year Southwest Tennessee Electric will be volunteering in our communities we serve throughout the week of October 15.

While the numbers are still coming in, it is evident that the Day of Service has made a significant impact across the state. Over the past 10 years, the program has completed more than 250 projects with the help of over 5,000 volunteers. Collectively those co-op employees and board members have contributed well over 12,000 hours of service. Here at Southwest Tennessee Electric, we are proud to be a part of those numbers. The efforts have not only improved our local community but also strengthened the bond between our co-op and the people we serve.

It is fitting that the Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service falls within National Co-op Month. All October, we celebrate being member owned and all the benefits that stem from that — for us, but, more importantly for you. Southwest Tennessee Electric is more than just your electric company — it’s a team of people who believe that caring for our communities is just as important as powering them. We know and understand our greatest impact isn’t measured only in kilowatt-hours but in the lives we reach every day.