Duke employees take time to volunteer

Duke Energy brought 11 employee volunteers to Sycamore Services as part of its Duke Energy Global Service Event. Bart Beal of Duke Energy said the company encouraged its employees to develop these projects.

"The employees decided what they want to do, recruit the people, and then Duke Energy allows us to do it," he said. "This is one way Duke Energy and its employees are able to give back to the community we serve and live in. This year, hundreds of Duke Energy employees are involved in more than 70 projects serving more than 90 organizations in Indiana."

Dawn Horth, manager of communications and public affairs for Duke, said the volunteering became a family event for her.

"My daughters even came," she said. "With our employees and all the other people we got to come on board, we have 18 people out here today."

The volunteers brought several Energy Star appliances including two stoves, two refrigerators, a washer and dryer, and a dishwasher. They also installed seven microwave ovens, a grill, thermostats, and energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Beal said one thing the group wanted to accomplish was to help Sycamore Services to become more energy efficient. "So the appliances came from Energy Star," he said. "We want them to be more environmentally friendly and safe."

Volunteers also did tree trimming, caulking and weather striping, weeding, and other deep cleaning tasks.

Sycamore Services' mission is to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and others experiencing daily challenges by providing individualized training and services to increase independence and enhance their quality of life. Marcia Lynch of Sycamore Services said that she, the staff, and clients of the organization will benefit greatly from the work completed by the Duke volunteers.

"I just hope they know just how generous that has been and how much we appreciate what they have done," she said. The volunteers were treated to a lunch, catered by the Mayberry Cafe in Danville.