JEA Helps United Way with Special Presentation

Press Release: January 31st, 2005

The spirit of caring after the 2003 tornados continued as United Way presented a truck to Habitat for Humanity that was first received from Jackson Energy Authority. The presentation ceremony was held Monday, Jan. 31 at 2 pm at the United Way office.

Following tornadoes, JEA donated a truck to United Way to assist with the recovery efforts. It was used by volunteers who were re-building homes damaged or destroyed by the tornado. Since disaster recovery efforts are complete, United Way re-invested the donation by donating it to Jackson's Habitat for Humanity. Now it will be used to help low-income families have the opportunity to own their own homes.

"This truck has a history of helping people in need," said Barry Matthews, President/CEO for United Way of West Tennessee. "While at JEA, it was used to help JEA customers in unexpected situations. When JEA gave it to United Way, it was used to help rebuild homes and lives after the tornado. Now we are giving it to Habitat for Humanity, and it will be used to help build homes for low-income families who never thought they would be able to own homes. "

"JEA is a long-time supporter of United Way, and we knew that they would use the truck wisely," said Kyle Spurgeon, JEA. "We are glad to see that it will still be used to benefit the community. United Way has proven time and again that they are good stewards of this community's resources, and we are proud to be one of their corporate partners."