Dakota Electric Association named Community Car Care, Hastings, as the local 2010 Touchstone Energy Community Award winner. Angel Foundation, Minneapolis, and Cheerful Givers, Eagan, were named runners-up, and each of the three applicants received a plaque and a check for $500.
“Each year, Dakota Electric recognizes a few organizations that are doing great work in our local communities,” said Greg Miller, Dakota Electric’s president and chief executive officer. “As a member-owned cooperative, we are committed to our local communities and this is a way to encourage and honor those who are like-minded.”
Community Car Care helps meet transportation needs to families and individuals in the Hastings area by providing free repairs. Volunteers perform the repairs while the owner of the car attends a financial seminar that teaches budgeting skills. Since its start in 1999, the organization has repaired more than 500 cars. The organization always appreciates financial donations, volunteers or used automobiles.
The Angel Foundation provides financial assistance for cancer patients’ non-medical basic needs expenses and provides education and support for families. The organization has granted more than $1.9 million to thousands of cancer patients since 2001. In 2008 and 2009, Angel Foundation served 139 cancer patients in Dakota County, distributing $84,500 locally.
Cheerful Givers (www.cheerfulgivers.org) has made an impact locally by providing birthday gift bags for children who may not otherwise receive a gift on their birthdays. The organization donated more than 37,000 gift bags in 2009 and has provided more than 300,000 gift bags since its inception. The bags are made up by volunteers and distributed through food shelves, shelters and human service agencies around Minnesota.
The Touchstone Energy Community Award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to the local community.
The Community Car Care award application will be submitted for the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award. The statewide award recipient will be selected from local award winners throughout Minnesota and will receive $1,000. The Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award will be announced in March, during the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s annual meeting in St. Paul. Kids ‘n Kinship, Apple Valley, won the statewide 2010 Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award.
