Despite the trials and tribulations of the year, December was still a busy month for capturing photos of employees safely taking on holiday fundraising projects. 

The Electric Department had to hold off on its annual oyster roast, but still raised money for local families needing a little extra help during the holidays. The department also raises funds for this cause year ‘round with impromptu lunches on rainy days.  

Water Resources adopted a family with a set of twin three-year-olds this year whose names they received from the Salvation Army. Each child in the family has gift tags with their wish. Department employees purchase items from the tags and bring the unwrapped items to be placed under the department tree for delivery just in time for Christmas. This is the 22nd year they have adopted a family. 

Energy Services Officers Jonathan Sergeant and Seth Shoneman donated GUC blankets to the Pitt County Senior Center to distribute to some of our senior customers this winter. 

For the 15th year in a row, employees from throughout GUC also contributed unwrapped toys to the Salvation Army’s Operation Santa Claus program. 

Last but not least, Customer Relations held its second 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. Voting took place on December 16th. Department employees could place as many votes as they wanted at $1 per vote. The contest raised over $200 to buy winter gear for children at the Greenville Homeless Shelter, and employees also brought in extra coats to donate. The 2020 Best Beard contest winner was Nathan, who received a trophy and gloating rights for the next 12 months. 

What a great way to end the year by spreading a little cheer to those in need!