WKRECC Donates to Graves Co. Backpack Program

West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation recently honored directors and staff of Graves County Schools' Family Resource and Youth Service Center with a luncheon, and donated to help their work.

WKRECC's Communication and Media Relations Coordinator Georgann Lookofsky said they got involved with FRYSC through supporting their backpack program, which received $2,500. The project sends home food and other supplies with children on weekends to help students and their families.

“We’ve been able now to contribute $7,500 over the last three years here in Graves County,” she said. “That has brought us closer to the FRYSC staff, to seeing the work that they do, and to appreciating all the contributions they make to serve students and families in need.”

Lookofsky spoke immediately after the event.

FRYSC Director Tana Jones of Wingo Elementary School said the luncheon was a nice gesture. She said the utility does more than just help with the backpack program.

She said, “We also share a community partnership on a lot of different levels. Georgann spoke about co-op speakers who visit classrooms, linemen who present demonstrations so students learn how electricity works, some of their employees are mentors for our kids, and much more. It covers a broader spectrum.”

“I think what West Kentucky Rural Electric does is real,” said Eddie Wright, president of the WKRECC board of directors. “They don’t just throw money at somebody and say, ‘well, we donated to this or that.’ The co-op really reaches out and researches organizations that need the money and put it to good use. That’s what it’s all about and where we spend our money.”

“One of the cooperative’s seven core principles is concern for community,” said WKRECC president and chief executive officer David Smart. “And, what better way to start than with folks who have a heart for making life better for so many children here? It’s well-known and a given factor that almost every person who has been called to be an educator puts a lot of personal sacrifice into that calling. It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. For us to be just a small part of stepping in to assist and honor them in this calling they have, we take great pride in being able to be part of the support system they need to do the work that they do.”