The holiday season is a time for warmth, compassion and community, values that Community Electric Cooperative lives out every day. This year, CEC is inviting its member-owners and neighbors across rural Hampton Roads to join together in a heartfelt mission: supporting local families who are struggling to keep the lights on.
Beginning November 1, our Angel Tree Community Drive will open to the public, offering a simple but powerful way to help fellow members facing tremendous hardships — including life-altering illness and devastating loss.
What Is the Angel Tree?
Inside CEC’s Windsor headquarters, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree stands adorned with ornaments which represent families — each representing a donation that directly supports a local member’s electric account.
Every ornament tells a story and provides hope to a family in need:
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A single grandmother raising young relatives
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A member battling breast cancer
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A family grieving the loss of a child, now caring for a grandchild
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A loved one mourning the passing of a son
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A spouse navigating life after losing their husband
Together, these are just five of the over 20 families have a combined need of $4,065. But with a community as caring as ours, we believe we can reach — and even exceed — that goal.
How You Can Help
Starting November 1, visit the CEC office in Windsor to select an ornament in the amount you’d like to give:
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Yellow — $25
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Pink — $50
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Orange — $75
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Green — $100
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White — Any amount over $100
Your contribution will be applied immediately to the member’s account — ensuring warmth, stability, and peace of mind during the holidays.
You can also donate by:
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Bringing cash or check to the office
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Mentioning the employee who invited you to give (they’re cheering on donations with friendly competition!)
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Leaving donations in the night drop after hours
Whether you give the amount of a single ornament or enough to cover an entire family’s need, every gift matters.
Why It Matters
Electric cooperatives were formed to bring light — literally and figuratively — to communities that would otherwise be left in the dark. Since 1938, CEC has served its neighbors not only with power, but with heart.
“The holiday season reminds us that none of us are alone,” says CEC President and Chief Executive Officer Steven A. Harmon. “As a cooperative family, we take care of one another. The Angel Tree is a beautiful example of what happens when community comes together.”
Be the Light
This season, join your co-op and your community in lifting up our neighbors.
Help us spread joy, comfort, and the reassurance that brighter days are ahead.
Because at Community Electric, we believe in the power of people helping people — and there is no greater gift than hope.