As a seasonal volunteer-employee of LEC, the co-op has decided that Santa Claus should also have the chance to participate in its employee Pay It Forward program.
Here’s how it works: every co-op employee is entered into a random drawing to receive $500 to pay forward in any way they choose. Each month a new name is drawn, and the employee then has one month to apply the funds toward an act of kindness. The funds come from Laurens Electric’s charity events, which employee volunteers make possible.
Over the last 20 years or so, Santa has made a special trip to Laurens Electric each December to visit with almost 1,500 area kindergartners. While at the co-op, the children get one on one time with Santa, eat snacks, have photos taken and attend a safety presentation.
When told he would be able to Pay It Forward this year, Santa made a rather predictable choice; he chose to help more kids.
While receiving children in December, one family moved his heart. A local single mother with one child of her own had recently taken on responsibility for her two nephews as well.
Santa knew the holidays can be a stressful time for parents.
He said, “It’s hard enough as a single parent to raise one child, let alone take on two more. It just goes to show what type of person she is. And I want to do something to help.”
Santa, of course, desires no recognition for this good deed, but Laurens Electric thought it was worthy of sharing.
So, thanks Santa, and we’ll see you next year.
