Central Hudson Employees Pitch In For Good Causes

DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. -- Residents might be happy to know that while Central Hudson Gas & Electric is busy supplying gas and power to their customers, their employees are also busy helping non-profit organizations throughout Dutchess County.

Central Hudson was recognized at the 2016 United Way Celebration of Service.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

A home owned by a deserving resident was rehabilitated by a team of employee volunteers during the annual Rebuilding Together event.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Employees provided landscaping and yard improvement.
Photo Credit: *Contributed photo*

K Reakes

12/28/2016 9:00 a.m.

So busy in fact, that in 2016 they donated more than $700,000 to local not-for-profit agencies and small business organizations and hundreds of community service organizations through volunteerism during the year.

“We are an integral part of the Mid-Hudson Valley with a longstanding tradition of volunteerism and community support,” said Denise VanBuren, vice president of Public Relations. “Our employees work closely with local non-profit organizations, volunteering their time, leadership and talents as well as contributing financially to programs that serve those in need.”

Under the company's matching gift program, employee contributions to community agencies are matched, which totaled nearly $60,000 in 2015.

“This program allows Central Hudson to support organizations with which our employees are involved and to spread our contributions throughout the communities we serve,” said VanBuren.

Central Hudson will match employee gifts made to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services within the utility’s eight-county service territory of up to $500 per employee annually.

Employee contributions to the Community Fund of the United Way during the annual campaign are also matched. In 2016, nearly $340,000 in employee contributions and matching shareholder funds was raised in support of local agencies and programs.

During the year Central Hudson matched $50,000 in customer contributions to the Good Neighbor Fund, a last-resort grant toward utility bills for families and individuals facing financial hardship though a program administered by the local corps of the Salvation Army.

Central Hudson also extended nearly $250,000 to local agencies and business groups by the sponsorship of community events that raise awareness, promote the local economy and support non-profit programs, VanBuren added.

“In addition to their financial contributions, our employees volunteer many thousands of hours each year to Mid-Hudson Valley organizations,” said VanBuren. “Each year we recognize five employees who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and provide the organizations they serve with a $500 contribution through our annual Community Service Award."

Since 1989, 135 employees and organizations have received the award, and more than $67,000 in contributions has been donated.

Employees also volunteer and support many other causes, including holiday food and toy drives, fundraising walks, neighborhood cleanups, home and building repairs for needy families and community agencies, and more.

“We’re proud of our employees’ dedication to the communities we serve, and their willingness to support those in need,” said VanBuren.

For more information on Central Hudson’s community service initiatives, visit www.CentralHudson.com/Community.

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