The holiday season is the natural time to reflect upon all the things we have to be thankful for. It’s also a perfect time to consider ways of helping those who are less fortunate than us so that they can have happy holidays, too.

One easy, convenient way to help is through participating in Randolph EMC’s People Helping People (PHP) program. PHP offers co-op members the option of having their bills rounded up to the nearest dollar every month, with those extra few cents going to benefit people in need within the co-op’s service territory. On average, a member participating in PHP donates about $6 a year by having his or her bills rounded up.

Co-op members may not recognize the impact that their small sacrifices can make. Many members send notes of gratitude after receiving a donation. One recipient said, “I was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Requiring many expensive medical treatments to help with my illness, I applied for assistance through REMC’s People Helping People Program. With approval from the PHP board, I received a check to help with my medical treatments.

Thank you to the People Helping People program for your love and generosity, as your support has helped me during this difficult period in my life.” We would like to send a big “thank you” to all the co-op members who help their fellow members and communities through the People Helping People program.