This years Special Olympics are
May 7-9, 2008 - Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma's Electric Cooperatives have a long history of community service. In fact, the cooperative was formed simply to serve its member/owners, who had no other way of obtaining electricity. So it is no surprise that for 22 years now, hundreds of co-op employees have given their time to help the athletes at Special Olympics.

Last year, 126 co-op employees from 22 co-ops gathered in Stillwater over three days in May to help ensure that the festivities ran smoothly. Volunteers assist with a number of tasks, including manning water booths, helping athletes receive their awards and greeting them as they cross the finish line.

Tonia Allred, director of member services for Choctaw Electric in Hugo, OK, has been volunteering at Special Olympics for six years now.

“I am always so touched by the athletes – they are out there giving everything they’ve got, and they are so proud of themselves for everything they accomplish,” she says.

Allred, who has worked for Choctaw for nearly 20 years, says that the experience makes her proud of her job as well.

“I have raised my kids in the cooperative,” she says, “and being involved in all of the community projects that we do has helped me set a good example for them over the years. I really don’t think there is a better place to work.”