REB, TVA donate to local groups

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Russellville Electric and the Tennessee Valley Authority recently gave donations to four local groups.

Sherry Smith, executive assistant for Russellville Electric, explained Russellville Electric contributed half of each donation, and TVA contributed the other half.

Russellville Dream Center received $2,000.

“We’re thankful for the community support from TVA and our REB,” explained Shawn Reathford, Russellville Dream Center pastor. “This donation will help us continue to be able to reach our community through addiction services, food boxes and community outreach.”
Civitan International received $2,000.

“We’re most appreciate,” said Eddie Beason, president of the Russellville Civitan Club. “The money will be going to the Civitan International Research Center in Birmingham. They study the treatment and prevention of intellectual disabilities.”

Faith Mission Outreach received $2,000.

Wade Wallace, pastor at Calvary Baptist in Russellville, is among the all-volunteer group operating Faith Mission Outreach in downtown Russellville. He said the mission gives out food and clothes to about 400 families per month – this past month, 437.

“Most of our food we give out comes from the Northwest Alabama Food Bank in Huntsville. We have a lot of elderly people helped by our program,” Wallace said. “We’ve been going 15 years this October, and we’re glad to have this donation to help us purchase food that’s needed for Franklin County residents.”

The mission is located at 109 Marion St.

VFW Kelley Dickinson Post 5184 received $6,500.

“On behalf of Post 5184, we appreciate TVA, along with the REB, in regards to this donation,” said VFW member Barry Moore. “We appreciate their involvement in the community.”

REB general manager Charles Canida said TVA designed the Community Care Program to support projects that directly impact local communities.

“There are specific limitations on the contributions, which prevented some nonprofits from qualifying for the funds,” he said. “The organizations chosen as recipients of the funds have proven themselves over time and are very worthy to receive the funds. REB is honored to be a part of this effort.”

Alan South, TVA customer relations manager for the south region, said TVA was “happy to partner with Russellville Electric Board in presenting checks to these well-deserving organizations.”

“From our very founding, as mentioned in the TVA Act, one of the purposes of TVA is to support the social and economic well-being of the people living in the Tennessee Valley,” South said. “That is exactly what these organizations are doing, and TVA is proud to be able to support them.”