SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY DRIVE–Employees at Prairie State Generating Company had a successful holiday drive this year and were able to provide gifts to 255 local children. Pictured are a pair of employees with some of the gifts.
For the past 12 years, Prairie State employees have brightened the holiday season for children in need through their annual holiday drive. Employees from across the mine, power plant and corporate office select ornaments from angel trees and fulfill children’s toy and clothing requests.
The 2019 Prairie State Holiday Drive supported nine organizations throughout Randolph, St. Clair and Washington Counties. These organizations included BCMW Community Services, Coulterville Elementary School, the Village of Fayetteville, Marissa Elementary School, Okawville Grade School, Perandoe Educational Program, Sparta Primary and Middle Schools, St. Libory Elementary School and Tilden Presbyterian Church.
This year, the need was greater than ever. In 2018, 141 requests were received through the program, but this grew to requests for 255 children in 2019.
“Our employees continue to impress me with their generosity and commitment to serving our local communities. This program brings as much joy to the people in our organization as I’m sure it does to the children receiving the gifts” said Don Gaston, president and CEO of Prairie State Generating Company.
For more on this story, please see this week’s print edition.