At REC, Service and Caring are more than just core values — they’re everyday commitments that drive meaningful action in the communities we serve.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, REC employees are proudly continuing their tradition of giving back. Whether it’s supporting survivors, encouraging young readers, honoring first responders, or helping keep local roads clean, REC is making an impact – one good deed at a time.
Here are just a few recent examples of how our team is putting service into action:
Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors
Four REC employees recently participated in Empowerhouse’s Empty Bowl fundraiser, joining hundreds of community members to raise funds for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
“I have a close friend who was helped by Empowerhouse,” said Linette Kasper, Departmental Assistant. “It’s meaningful to me because of what they did for her and how they helped her through her situation. I just wanted to support them so they can continue helping others.”
Sharing the Joy of Reading with Local Students
In celebration of Read Across America in March, REC employees visited elementary schools in Caroline, King & Queen, Rappahannock, and Spotsylvania counties to read to students and encourage a love of books.
“I had a great time reading to the kids,” said Jeff Henry, Director of Member Services and Community Relations. “It was meaningful to me because I love reading, and it’s fun to share that joy with children.”
Spreading Warmth with Project Linus
Earlier this year, REC employees teamed up with Project Linus in Orange County to help prepare materials for handmade blankets, which are distributed to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or in need of comfort.
“My favorite part about volunteering was not only meeting new people in my hometown and working alongside coworkers, but also seeing some of the finished blankets,” said Jennifer Arnold, Billing Supervisor. “It really put into perspective the hard work, dedication, and time people are willing to contribute to help the community. I was happy to be part of it.”
Honoring Public Safety Workers
During the week of April 14-18, in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, REC employees delivered lunches and tokens of appreciation to emergency dispatchers in Caroline, Culpeper, Louisa, Spotsylvania, and Warren counties.
“We just want them to know how much we appreciate all they do for our communities — often in very challenging conditions,” said Lindsey Edwards, Communications Projects Specialist. “This was just one small way for REC employees to say thank you.”
Cleaning Up Louisa County — One Bag at a Time
Last fall, 40 REC employees joined Louisa Clean to help pick up trash along a 3.6 mile stretch of Fredericks Hall Road. Together they collected 70 bags of litter, demonstrating REC’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship. A team of 12 REC volunteers returned on April 22 to clean up trash along the same stretch of road, this time collecting 16 bags.
“We’re always trying to do good things for the people who are our members,” said Justin Cruise, Director of Strategy, Execution, and Enterprise Risk Management. “They look after us, and we try to look after them.”
