AEC Gives Back – CoBank Sharing Success 2023

For the twelfth year, Alfalfa Electric Cooperative’s Board approved CoBank’s Sharing Success program. This fantastic program doubles the contributions of customers like AEC to the charitable organizations in the communities in their service area. This year, Alfalfa Electric awarded money to Carmen After 55 Club, Amorita Byron Fire Department, The City of Cherokee, and GSP Cares for various projects that will greatly impact the communities they serve.

CoBank recognizes that its customers often know best where funding is most effectively provided to benefit their communities. Since the establishment of Sharing Success in 2012, CoBank and its customers have contributed more than $76 million to groups such as volunteer fire departments, local schools, and hunger relief programs. Other groups include government organizations such as counties or municipalities and their agencies or departments, as long as the donation serves a public purpose and is consistent with the purpose and guidelines of the Sharing Success program. For 2023, CoBank matches $5 million of their customers’ grant funds. Each eligible customer (AEC) may request a match for up to four contributions with a total of $10,000.

The Carmen After 55 Club will use this money to replace and level the flooring in their building. The building also needs bathroom updates if any funds are left.
The Amorita Byron Firefighters Association plans to use funds to furnish equipment, such as fire pump, tank, hose, nozzles, and lights, for the new brush pumper that will be used to provide fire protection to their county.
The City of Cherokee will put the money to good use to help build public restrooms at the park. This will be a tremendous improvement for children at the park and community events.
GSP Health employees created GSP Cares to assist patients with specific needs not covered by grant funding. They will help cover the costs of patients’ medication or durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, glucometers, and blood pressure cuffs.