BEC Donates $5,000 to Summer Reading Programs

BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE is helping area libraries gear up for their summer reading programs by donating $1,000 each to the Bandera Kronkosky Public Library, Comfort Public Library, Lakehills Area Library, Medina Community Library and Real County Public Library. BEC’s donations will provide hands-on activities and materials necessary for the programs’ success.

BEC provides more than electricity to its communities—it encourages organizations that help enrich its members’ lives. Guided by the cooperative principle of Concern for Community, BEC focuses on ways to support Hill Country youth programs and events. The local summer reading programs are just one example.

“We are very appreciative and would like to thank BEC for their donation,” said Betty Meyer, Real County Public Library director. “It will help with supplies for our summer reading program.”

This year’s summer reading program theme is All Together Now, which focuses on kindness, friendship and unity. Each of the participating libraries will have its own curriculum, and summer schedules will be available online.

“Our goal is for the children to finish the summer reading program with a better understanding of how each of us is connected and the importance of taking care of themselves, their community and the Earth,” said Alison Harbour, library director of Medina Community Library.

Older children who attend the Medina Community Library summer program will assemble boxes for seniors in the community. Each box will contain personal hygiene items and educational information regarding the upcoming eclipses.

“These boxes will help seniors in our community prepare for the eclipses and the safety concerns that may arise,” Harbour said. “The hope is that this hands-on project will encourage our kids to support their community actively.”

Encouraging children to read throughout the summer is essential for maintaining and increasing their reading fluency. The summer reading programs help them stay engaged and offer experiences that can shape their young minds.

BEC cares about its youths, and supporting reading and learning reflects BEC’s commitment to education. Stop by your local library to learn more about its summer reading program! D

Electricity brightens our daily lives—but it also requires caution to help keep your family safe.

Vote in the Members’ Choice Contest by May 15

BEC MEMBERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY to make a difference in their community by voting for their favorite nonprofit in the co-op’s service territory in the BEC Foundation Members’ Choice Contest.

Never use electrical equipment near water and other liquids.

Members can vote for the nonprofit finalist of their choice via email until May 15, and voting is limited to one vote per member household. The winning organization will receive a grant of up to $5,000.

The organizations chosen as finalists for the 2023 contest are: e Comfort Independent School District e Comfort Table and Food Pantry e Medina ISD Parent-Teacher Organization e Triple H Equitherapy e Utopia ISD

Never use electrical cords that are frayed or damaged.

Do not overload electrical outlets.

Never use lightbulbs that exceed the recommended wattage for any lighting unit or fixture.

“We hope this contest will help increase member engagement with the BEC Foundation, improve the quality of life for members and better serve the community as a whole,” said Toba Wright, BEC Foundation chairman.

In 2022, the BEC Foundation gave more than $125,000 to support nonprofit organizations that focus on health initiatives, education and youth programs, social service projects, and community service projects. Members can support the foundation’s efforts by rounding up their monthly electric and fiber bills to the next whole dollar.

To learn more about the BEC Foundation, visit banderaelectric.com/foundation. D