photo by: Emma Delk

Expand Energy employee Ethan Nally labels cans for the Ohio County Family Resource Network outdoor food pantry during the company’s volunteer day on Wednesday.

Expand Energy staff rolled up their sleeves Wednesday morning to organize the Ohio County Family Resource Network’s pantry and restock Blessing Boxes across Ohio County.

In addition to the elbow grease of employees and interns, the company also donated $5,000 to help with energy costs for families served by the Family Support Center program, an initiative under the FRN that provides critical resources to parents and caregivers.

Expand Energy employees helped label food donations at the indoor and outdoor food pantries located at the Ohio County FRN’s office.

Expand Energy staff also hit the road to restock Blessing Boxes at Bethlehem Elementary School, the Elm Grove Fire Department Station 11, Wheeling Firefighter’s Local 12 Union Hall and the Valley Grove Community Center. These small outdoor pantries are stocked with nonperishable food and essential items for those in need, donated by community members.

“We are incredibly grateful to Expand Energy for their support and hands-on involvement with the Ohio County Family Resource Network and Family Support Center,” Ohio County FRN Operations Manager Jami Robinson said. “Their team’s time and effort in labeling food for our pantry and stocking our Blessings Boxes will have a direct and meaningful impact on the community we serve.”

Robinson noted that the efforts of Expand Energy employees would be a “big help” for the Valley Grove box, which needed to be cleaned and fully restocked after the June flooding in the area.

“That box needs to be cleaned out with bleach, so their work will help us get that done,” Robinson said. “That Blessing Box is ready to be fully stocked again once they clean it, thanks to community donations.”

Expand Energy Community Affairs Manager Stephanie Paluda said the company had about 10 staff members participating in the company’s volunteer day to organize the Ohio County FRN office pantries and restock Blessing Boxes. Two staff members were sent to restock the Blessing Boxes, while the rest volunteered at the Ohio County FRN office.

“Expand Energy is the largest producer of natural gas in the country, so it’s important for us to think globally and act locally,” Paluda said. “Ohio County is the heart of our operations here, and we’re just always looking for new and creative ways to give back to those in need.”

Paluda added that the donation to the FSC program was “a new way” the company elected to give back as an energy producer in the area.

Ohio County FRN Executive Director Claudia Raymer said that Expand Energy’s donation would also help assist the community directly through providing relief for “families facing economic challenges.” The donation will help cover heating and cooling costs for eligible families working with the Family Support Center, which offers parenting support and access to basic needs.

“We’re so grateful for Expand Energy’s support, both in time and resources,” Ray said. “Their donation will directly assist families struggling with utility bills, while their volunteer day helps ensure our Blessings Boxes and pantry remain ready for anyone in need.”

Robinson added that the donation to assist families with energy costs came at the “perfect time,” as the organization’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. Due to state funding “taking a while” to reach the organization, she noted the organization typically “does not have a lot of money for emergency assistance at this time of the year.”

“Because Expand Energy generously donated that money to us, that $5,000 has already been able to help families with their energy costs, whereas normally we would not have been able to help for a couple of months,” Robinson said. “We’ve already helped a lot of people with their donations, so we truly appreciate it.”