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Good Deed: Volunteer Energy Cooperative supports first-responder agencies

Contributed photo / VEC Customer Share Board member Bobby Scott, left, presents a check to Jim Daughetee of the Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department at the board's February meeting. Contributed photo / VEC Customer Share Board member Bobby Scott, left, presents a check to Jim Daughetee of the Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department at the board's February meeting.

By Community submissions February 21, 2026 1 min read

Local first-responder organizations received some extra support from the Volunteer Energy Cooperative this month.

At the February meeting of the VEC Customers Share Board, the board granted a total of $2,200 in grants to Hamilton County organizations.

Hamilton County STARS, a special rescue service, received a $1,000 grant. The Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department received $1,200.

Since its founding in 2001, the cooperative has donated more than $9 million to various community service organizations across its 17-county service area. The funds come from members who choose to round up their electric bills to the next whole dollar, and individual contributions average a little over $5 per year.

Jaci Powell

Volunteer Energy Cooperative

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Email gooddeed@timesfreepress.com, submit a letter using this form or fax 423-668-5058. Photos encouraged.