Bringing Cheer to West Virginia Families this Holiday Season

Mon Power employees embraced the spirit of giving and holiday cheer in 2023, coming together to make a positive impact on families in West Virginia communities where they live, work and serve. 

New data released this fall by the U.S. Census Bureau shows one in four children were living in poverty in West Virginia in 2022, which is even more than the previous year. Recognizing the challenges faced by many, Mon Power employees were determined to spread joy this Christmas season through a variety of different holiday giving initiatives.

View photos of Mon Power employees’ holiday giving and volunteer efforts this year.

“The selfless men and women at Mon Power embody the core value of stewardship, particularly during the holidays,” said Jim Myers, President of FirstEnergy’s West Virginia operations. “Their unwavering commitment to community service reflects the essence of giving, bringing hope and joy to local families facing challenges.”

Holiday giving initiatives: At Fort Martin Power Station, employees organized a coat and toy drive for the first time for local families in need, collecting nearly 75 winter coats and 75 toys. The donated coats will be given to children in Monongalia and Preston counties through the United Way, and the toys will be distributed by the Salvation Army.

Similarly, employees at Mon Power’s Harrison Power Station, inspired by the Angel Luv Program, adopted six children from Lincoln High School in Shinnston, Harrison County. The employees collected more than $1,800 to purchase Christmas gifts and clothing for the children to ensure they experience a memorable holiday season. 

Adding to the festive spirit, employees also supported the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots initiative, with toy collection boxes set up across all Mon Power office buildings and service centers. Then, employees volunteered to help the United Way of Monongalia and Preston counties and Christian Help distribute the toys collected. Their efforts supported the preparation and organization of bags of toys for distribution to nearly 1,000 local families.

Lighting up the community: While many employees led donation drives, several employees from Mon Power volunteered with their own hands to set up more than 500 holiday light displays at Morris Park in Fairmont for this year’s Celebration of Lights. Attendees can purchase tickets to drive through the light show, with proceeds benefiting the Tigert Valley United Way.

“It is fun to set up the display not only because we know it brings so many people happiness over the holidays, but also because it generates much needed funding for the United Way,” said Tim Gernstnecker, a Mon Power Operations Manager. “The organization does much-needed work to continually support deserving local families.

The Mon Power team that helped set up the light displays will also use their paid volunteer time off to take them down in the spring. 

In addition to the holiday volunteer efforts organized by employees, the FirstEnergy Foundation contributed $40,000 to two nonprofits dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of communities served by Mon Power and its sister company Potomac Edison in West Virginia. The funds were part of the Foundation's annual “Gifts of the Season” campaign.

MEDIA CONTACT: Hannah Catlett, (440) 554-5346