W.I.R.E.

W.I.R.E.(Women Involved In Rural Electrification) is a volunteer organization of women associated with the co-op that perform many community service projects each year. Projects supported by W.I.R.E. are assistance of "burned out" families, scholarships and other needed community projects.

Scholarship available for women returning to college

Applications are being taken for a $2,500 scholarship for women awarded annually by WIRE, a community service organization affiliated with electric co-ops in South Carolina.

The WIRE Opportunity Scholarship is awarded to a woman who may not have been able to attend college when she graduated from high school but now wants to further her education. WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification) awards the scholarship based on financial need and personal goals.

Applicants must:

• be a member of a South Carolina electric co-op
• have graduated from high school or earned her GED at least 10 years ago
• be accepted into an accredited S.C. college or university, and
• demonstrate financial need.

Women who have previously obtained a four-year college degree are not eligible. Applicants may have previously earned a two-year degree or some college credits. The scholarship, which can be used for the fall 2010 or spring 2011 semesters, will be paid jointly to the winner and their college of choice.

Applications are available at Marlboro Electric Cooperative. The deadline to apply is June 1. Mail or fax the application to WIRE Scholarship Committee, Attention: Christy Overstreet, Marlboro Electric Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 1057, Bennettsville, SC 29512; fax (843) 479-8990.

Local WIRE chapter electrifies community

Serving as WIRE officers in 2009 were Emma Huckabee, Secretary/Treasurer, Gwen Moses, President, and Janelle Sauls, Vice-President.

WIRE ladies enjoyed a presentation from Marlboro County’s Clemson 4-H Director Michael McManus and students.

Reverend Doris Smith was presented a casserole keeper by Janelle Sauls and Gwen Moses after she spoke to the WIRE ladies about Agape Hospice.

Evon Williams was honored as the 2009 WIRE Woman of the Year in recognition of her outstanding commitment, service and dedication.

WIRE President Gwen Moses presented a WIRE donation to Jamie Grant, Reverend Scott Andrews and Elisabeth McNiel for the First Presbyterian Church’s Second Annual Marlboro County Thanksgiving Feast.

Gwen Moses and Shirley Coachman presented a donation to the Grace & Mercy Center in Bennettsville for food.

Marlboro Electric Women Involved in Rural Electrification (WIRE) has been busy in 2009 electrifying the community with generous support.

Each year, WIRE sells items and hosts the concessions at the Annual Meeting to raise funds to donate to needy causes in the community. Local WIRE ladies work hard to spread their love, concern and caring in which rural citizens are known for. In their efforts of working for better communities, WIRE continues to touch the lives of many people.

WIRE is a non-profit community outreach organization that encourages interest electric programs and works to improve the quality of life in rural areas. Membership is open to all women who are co-op members, trustees and employees or the spouses of members, trustees and employees.

WIRE blesses Thanksgiving feast

Thanksgiving is a great time for Marlboro Electric’s WIRE to share and give thanks. What better way to do this than by donating funds to First Presbyterian Church for the Second Annual Marlboro County Thanksgiving Feast.

"Our local WIRE group is excited about contributing to help provide the hungry, lonely, and most needy in Marlboro County a hot Thanksgiving dinner," said Gwendolyn Moses, WIRE President. "Their purpose for this mission project is much like WIRE’s moto - People Helping People."

WIRE ladies also collected canned goods and purchased canned meat in November and December for the Bread of Life food pantry in their efforts to feed the hungry in our community.

Another recipient is Grace & Mercy Center, Circuit 1 UMC, Marshall Street, Bennettsville. In a thank you letter to WIRE, Grace & Mercy of Bennettsville wrote, “We sincerely thank you…donations such as yours are what enable us to serve the needs of our sisters and brothers in Marlboro County and other surrounding areas with food and clothing. Continue to be generous in your giving; abounding in your love, caring in your heart and God will surely bless you with the richness of his GRACE AND MERCY.”

Membership Application

_______New _______Renewal

Name_________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Address__________________________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________________________State_________________Zip_____________

Phone:
Home _______________________
Office _____________________

Birthday: Month_____________ Day______________

E-mail address ____________________________

Please list your association with Marlboro Electric Cooperative, Inc. (example: consumer, spouse of employee, etc.)