Special to IFN

The EnergyUnited Foundation donated more than $116,000 in the first quarter of 2025 to support individuals, families and nonprofit organizations in its service area. The funding provided by the Foundation helps meet critical needs across a 19-county region.

The Foundation, funded entirely by voluntary member contributions through the Operation Round-Up program, provided critical assistance to cover housing, utility expenses and other basic living costs for individuals and families. Additionally, grants were awarded to three nonprofit organizations that are making a significant difference in their communities, Cancer Services Inc., Catherine H. Barber Memorial Shelter and Bridge of Hearts.

“These numbers tell a powerful story—one of hope, resilience and compassion,” said LaQuisha Parks, vice president of energy services and corporate communications for EnergyUnited. “Every dollar donated to the EnergyUnited Foundation is a lifeline for someone in need. Whether it’s helping a family keep the lights on or supporting nonprofits that provide shelter, healthcare or emotional support, the impact of these donations goes far beyond the amount written on any individual check. It’s about restoring dignity and lifting people up during their hardest moments.”

The impact of the Foundation can be seen through the stories of the people who receive support. A frequent home repair request is for needed assistance to make home bathrooms handicap-accessible. 

The EnergyUnited Foundation is a voluntary, member-funded nonprofit organization supported by EnergyUnited’s Operation Round-Up program. More than 82,000 EnergyUnited members choose to participate in the program by “rounding up: their electric bills each month. The maximum monthly contribution for an individual member with one account is 99 cents. Each of these small contributions are pooled together in a single fund managed by the EnergyUnited Foundation to support needy individuals, families, and essential nonprofit organizations that complete an application explaining the reason and purpose for their requested grant.

About EnergyUnited

EnergyUnited Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is the largest electric cooperative in North Carolina with 142,201 member connections. Headquartered in Statesville, EnergyUnited provides electric service in portions of 19 counties, including Alexander, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin. Visit energyunited.com to learn more.

Grant Recipients

Pictured (from left) are Tara O’Brien, executive director of Cancer Services Inc.; and Debra Citta, program coordinator of EnergyUnited.
Pictured (from left) are Kerry Lawing, EnergyUnited Foundation Board president; Elizabeth Huffman, chair of the Catherine H. Barber Memorial Shelter board; Jimmy Dula, vice chair of Catherine H. Barber Memorial Shelter board; Brett Alkins, chief operating officer of EnergyUnited; and Nat Hyde, EnergyUnited Foundation board member.
Pictured (from left) are Zandra Adderley, member support specialist III for EnergyUnited; Sheila Sink, member support administrator for EnergyUnited; Linda Morris, executive director of Bridge of Hearts; and LaQuisha Parks, vice president of energy services and corporate communications for EnergyUnited.

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