Concern for community: Central in action
At Central Electric Power Cooperative, our mission goes beyond keeping the lights on. One of the seven cooperative principles that guides our work is Concern for Community—and we take that to heart. Our team is proud to support efforts that make a difference in the Midlands and across South Carolina.
Here are just a few ways we’ve been giving back:
Back-to-school supplies
Each year, Central provides students with the tools they need to start the school year strong. From backpacks to notebooks, we want to help local children feel prepared and confident in the classroom. This year, we donated school supplies covering all grade levels to William S. Sandel Elementary School.
Career day
Investing in the next generation is part of our responsibility as a cooperative. In March 2025, Central employees Arlene Anderson and Jalen Dawkins participated in Career Day at Pontiac Elementary School. They shared their knowledge about careers in the electric cooperative network, answered questions and sparked interest in energy, technology and public service. Students received “I ♥ My Co-op” stickers and umbrellas before participating in a hands-on experiment that demonstrated how electricity travels from power lines into homes and schools.
Step up challenge
A friendly challenge for a wonderful cause! Central employees teamed up to compete in a walking challenge against employees at CEEUS. Team Central logged 3,515 miles during the month-long challenge. As part of this year’s fundraising effort, Central donated $1,200 to the Fallen Linemen Foundation, while CEEUS matched the donation to the South Carolina Cooperatives Care Foundation.
Project Angel Tree
The holiday season is brighter thanks to The Salvation Army Angel Tree. Central employees sponsored four children in 2024, providing gifts, clothing and essentials to ensure every child experiences the joy of Christmas morning.
Adopt-a-Highway
In November 2020, Central Electric Power Cooperative joined the Keep the Midlands Beautiful Adopt-a-Highway program. Central employees participate in quarterly litter pickups on Burning Tree Road through 2026, helping keep our community clean and green.
These activities are just a snapshot of how Central lives out its cooperative values each day. We believe strong communities make strong cooperatives, and we’re committed to doing our part.