In true GUC fashion, many employees took time these last few weeks of the year to spread a little cheer to those in need! 

Water Resources adopted three children this year whose names they received from the Salvation Army. Each child has gift tags with their wish. Department employees purchased items from the tags and brought the unwrapped items to be placed under the department tree for delivery just in time for Christmas. This is the 23rd year they have adopted a family.  

Energy Services Officers Jonathan Sergeant and Seth Shoneman along with Director of Customer Relations Scott Mullis donated GUC blankets to the Pitt County Senior Center to distribute to some of our senior customers this winter.  

For the 17th year in a row, employees from throughout GUC also contributed unwrapped toys to the Salvation Army’s Operation Santa Claus program.   

Customer Relations held its third annual “Best Beard” contest where two Customer Contact Representatives, Nathan Johnson and Lee Eakes, competed to see who could grow the best beard in 30 days. Department employees could place as many votes as they wanted at $1 per vote. The contest raised enough money to buy winter gear for children at the Greenville Homeless Shelter, and employees also brought in extra coats to donate. The 2021 Best Beard contest winner was Lee, who received a trophy and gloating rights for the next 12 months.  

Last but not least, employees from all departments came together one last time this year to donate blood through The Blood Connection. The drive was held for the first time at our new Operations Center, and 45 pints were collected.  

What a great way to wrap up in the year by getting into the spirit of giving during the holidays!