“Children who play well become enterprising and active adults. The importance of giving children developmental toys that can stimulate their imagination and creativity is therefore obvious.”
“I reached out to my mom’s employer – SEMO Electric Cooperative Facebook Page – and asked them to help give Christmas gifts to our foster kids. They absolutely BLEW ME AWAY! They made an angel tree for the kids and they filled my SUV to the absolute top! I had gifts on my console, on the floor, and in my child’s car seat (obviously he wasn’t in it). I’m sure I couldn’t fit even a stocking in my car! I was so overwhelmed with emotions and gratitude, I had to call my mom and cry! Many of our kids don’t get Christmas gifts so this was so special to our kids, as well as to the caseworkers who work with our kids day in and day out. You all have truly blessed them this year! I cannot express how thankful I am to have SEMO Electric in our community,” wrote social worker Kameryn Graham.
Team SEMO, the employees of SEMO Electric and GoSEMO Fiber, really do care about the communities we serve. In most cases, we are humble about our outreach, and many things are done quietly. However, when I saw Kameryn’s raw emotions when she picked up the gifts from the angel tree and then read what she wrote, I couldn’t help but share them with you. In a similar fashion, when the Marine Toys for Tots coordinator picked up the box of toys in Bloomfield, it was mentioned that the box was overflowing like no other box. And when my wife and I attended a chili dinner fundraising event in Dexter, we spotted a member of Team SEMO behind the counter. Brenda had taken a day off so she could volunteer to bake cinnamon rolls and serve others for Dexter’s Friends of the Library.
These are just three recent examples. There are more. Many good deeds are done without fanfare or notice. And it’s just not Team SEMO. It’s people like you that make a difference in other people’s lives. You may hold a door open for someone. You may help someone cross the road. You may make sure someone has a coat. Being nice is a simple gesture. Being nice lifts the spirits of others. You may never know how your act of kindness touched someone else’s life. It will make you feel good to help.
I am proud of Team SEMO for stepping forward to make a difference in other people’s lives. As a cooperative, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We love serving our members and subscribers. Why? Without you, the Cooperative wouldn’t exist. Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, responsible, and safe electricity and broadband services. Simply put, SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber exist to serve you. That’s why we were formed in 1938 and 2017, respectively, to bring power and fiber to our local area when for-profit utilities would not. Part of serving is giving.
Book of the Month: “Children who play well become enterprising and active adults. The importance of giving children developmental toys that can stimulate their imagination and creativity is therefore obvious.” The LEGO Story by Jens Andersen Book
Be smart. Act safe. Keep pushing forward!
Sean is the CEO/GM of SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber.
Cover: Social worker Kameryn Graham celebrates picking up gifts from Team SEMO for foster care children. Graham is the daughter of Team SEMO’s Marla Wood.