Farmers RECC and the other Kentucky's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives raised more than $19,000 of much-needed items for Ronald McDonald Houses in Lexington and Louisville. Since 2017, co-ops have collected items from employees and the public. This year is the largest collection raised to date. 

Throughout June and July, co-ops gathered the donations in a Wish List Drive campaign to support both Ronald McDonald Houses, not-for-profit homes that enable families to be near their hospitalized children. During the summer months, donations tend to be low, says the Houses. 

"When families travel to Lexington for their child's medical care, they're navigating one of the hardest seasons of their lives. Thanks to partners like Kentucky's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, we're able to remove barriers so parents can focus on what matters most: being there for their child," said Nate Graham, CEO of the Lexington House.

Co-op employees dropped off donations that included snacks, personal care items and other products to help families feel at home while staying at the Ronald McDonald House facilities. Over the last seven years, co-ops have raised more than $114,000 worth of Wish List items for the two Houses.

“Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives never cease to amaze us with their incredible generosity and ability to make a huge impact for our families, said Graham. “We are thankful to have such purpose-driven partners that are committed to making Kentucky a better place for its people.”

Since cooperatives serve 89 Kentucky counties, they support both Kentucky Houses (Lexington and Louisville). They share a common service territory.

“At Ronald McDonald Louisville, we are so grateful for the unwavering support from Kentucky's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. The contributions from their Wish List Drive have a profound impact, providing much-needed comfort and resources for our families. We are proud to have such committed partners who help us create a home away from home that families rely on while their children receive medical care in Louisville," said Hal Hedley, CEO.
Commitment to community is one of the cooperatives’ core values, and helping families of sick children fits the bill perfectly.

“Our cooperatives are proud to support this organization and the priceless service they provide to families during their times of greatest need,” said Sha Phillips of Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.