Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, including Farmers RECC, raised more than $18,000 of much-needed items for Ronald McDonald Houses in Lexington and Louisville. Since 2017, co-ops have collected items from employees and the public. This year makes the most ever collected.

Throughout July, co-ops gathered the donations in a Wish List Drive campaign to support both Ronald McDonald Houses, not-for-profit homes that enable families to be near their hospitalized children. During the summer months, donations tend be low, says the Houses.

“At RMHC of the Bluegrass, we know that a family with a sick child is a sick family. That is why we are honored to get to try and make life a little less hard for these families during some of the most difficult times of their lives. But there is no way we could do it without our community partners,” said Nate Graham, CEO of RMHC.

“Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives never cease to amaze us with their incredible generosity and ability to make a huge impact for our families, said Graham. “We are thankful to have such purpose-driven partners that are committed to making Kentucky a better place for its people.”

Co-op employees dropped off donations that included snacks, personal care items and other products to help families feel at home while staying at the Ronald McDonald House facilities. Over the last seven years, co-ops have raised more than $78,000 worth of Wish List items for the two Houses.

Since cooperatives serve 89 Kentucky counties, they support both Kentucky Houses (Lexington and Louisville). They share a common service territory.

“At Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana, we are so grateful for the unwavering support from Kentucky's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. The contributions from their Wish List Drive have a profound impact, providing much-needed comfort and resources for our families. We are proud to have such committed partners who help us create a home away from home that families rely on while their children receive medical care in Louisville," said Hal Hedley, CEO.

Commitment to community is one of the cooperatives’ core values, and helping families of sick children fits the bill perfectly.

“Our cooperatives are proud to support this organization and the priceless service they provide to families during their times of greatest need,” said Caralyne Pennington, Director of Member and Public Communications.