January 25, 2018

It can be a bleak winter for those without proper items to keep them warm such as blankets, pajamas, gloves and hats. Thanks to the generosity of our employees, many people in need had a warm holiday season.

Geneva Weiss, Easton Line Department and fellow members of the Unit 9 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary created blankets made of plastic bags for homeless veterans who use the blankets as sleeping mats. Geneva collects the bags from Met-Ed coworkers. Each blanket (4’x 6’) takes approximately 750 plastic bags and 52 hours to construct. Geneva also is the auxiliary’s first vice president.

In the photo with Geneva (second from r.), l.-r. are auxiliary members: Kim Organetti, Shirley Lutz, Teresa Steiger and Cathy Gallagher.

Geneva and ladies presented one of the blankets to a homeless veteran.

Carol Suderow, executive assistant, Communications and Branding, coordinated a Holiday Pajama Drive that resulted in 455 pairs of children’s pajamas and $570 in cash and checks donated to Opportunity for People Everywhere in Need Ministry (OPEN M), a nonprofit organization that helps Summit County residents with scarce personal resources. Employees companywide, as well as a few FirstEnergy vendors, donated to this worthy cause so hundreds of Akron-area children could enjoy brand-new Christmas PJs. This is Carol’s fourth year coordinating the drive, which continues to grow each year.

Toledo Edison employees adopted two families from L. Hollingworth School (Toledo) for  Christmas. Employees provided outfits, pajamas, hats, gloves and a toy for each child. Also, each mother was given household items as well as needed clothing. In the photo with one of the families are Meg Adams, manager, External Affairs; Trina Myers, Customer Account specialist; and Rich Sweeney, Toledo Edison regional president.