Cobb EMC employees once again embraced the spirit of giving this holiday season by providing joy, warmth, and essential support to children and families across the community. Through festive events, school partnerships, and charitable initiatives, the Cobb EMC employees, the Cobb EMC Foundation, Gas South and community partners raised nearly $40,000 and directly supported hundreds of local residents.

“Concern for Community is one of our core cooperative principles, and our employees live it out in meaningful ways,” said Cobb EMC President & CEO Kevan Espy. “Their generosity continues to brighten lives year after year.”

Season of Giving Across the Community

Cobb EMC kicked off the holidays with its 6th annual Holiday Lights Event, offering bucket truck rides, visits with Santa, and festive activities for local families. Employees also participated in Shop with a Lineman, partnering with foster care families to help fulfill holiday wish lists for the children.

Throughout the month of December employees continued to support local schools, delivered gifts to families, sent letters to military members serving abroad, and helped spread cheer through school visits and community events. All departments across the cooperative participated by sponsoring families, delivering donations, and working closely with school partners to ensure children experienced the joy of the season.

Employee‑led fundraising and volunteer efforts alone raised more than $12,000 to support families, children, and schools in our community. They were able to accomplish:

• Holiday gifts and essentials for 89 families at multiple Title I schools
• Gift cards for 47 teenagers in foster care
• Shopping trips for 25 children through “Shop with a Lineman”
• Warm coats, food, and supplies for students in need

Community Partnerships Amplify Support

Cobb EMC employees and the Cobb EMC Foundation were joined by Gas South and community partners—including Piedmont Church, Congressman Barry Loudermilk’s Office, and the Credit Union of Georgia—to expand their reach. Together, they helped to support 30 families through Ser Familia’s holiday initiative and fulfilled family wish lists for LiveSafe Resources.

These efforts were in addition to hosting Operation Warmth’s Annual Cobb Coat Drive by collecting and distributing 1,800 new coats for students at Marietta City Schools, Cobb County Schools, Communities in Schools, and Devereux Behavioral Health. Employees from Cobb EMC, Gas South, and voluneteers from the Cobb EMC Ladies Task Force helped to sort and distribute the coats. This collective herculean effort will ensure that children in need stay warm during the colder months.

Living the Cooperative Principles

These impact of these efforts is reflective of Cooperative Principle #7: Concern for Community. Through collective generosity, Cobb EMC employees and their community partners provided comfort and care to hundreds of families across the cooperative’s service area.

“We are incredibly proud of our employees and grateful for the overwhelming support from our partners,” shared Espy. “Together, we helped make the holidays brighter for those who needed it most.”