Two area cooperatives plan giveaways for their members

Many small businesses, whether retail stores or restaurants, have had a tough year. Community members may be struggling as well. Giving back to the community is woven into the cooperative spirit. Two local cooperatives, Tri County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) and

Panhandle Telephone Çooperative, Inc., (PTCI), come together once again during Coop Month this October to bring the power of caring to the communities they serve with Coops Care.

Co-ops Care is a joint effort by the two cooperatives that will benefit 100 local businesses and 100 members through a giveaway of 100 gift certificates in the amount of $50 each. The one-time effort replaces the traditional Pumpkins at the Park event that has been canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.

Anyone who lives in the cooperative service area of PTCI or TCEC may enter the giveaway by texting ‘care’ to 2525. Drawings will be held throughout the month of October. For full rules and details on gift certificates available, visit www.care.coop.

“We have partnered with PTCI on community contributions for years,” said TCEC CEO Zac Perkins. “It fits well with our cooperative

principles of ‘Cooperation Among Cooperatives’ and ‘Concern for Community’ to come together and give back.”

This would have been the fifth year for the Pumpkins at the Park event. Other joint efforts

from TCEC and PTCI include the International Year of Cooperatives appreciation events in 2012, contributions to the YMCA and other initiatives like the Boise City Recreation Foundation splash pad.

“Working together is the cooperative way,” said PTCI CEO Jana Wallace. “From serving our members to giving back to the community, this is what we do.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Coops Care can visit www. care.coop.