TVA Celebrates 91 Years of Service with a Week of Giving Back
Knoxville has been buzzing with excitement recently as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) celebrated its 91st anniversary in a big way. Over the course of five days, more than 750 TVA employees, contractors, and retirees rolled up their sleeves and dedicated nearly 2,800 volunteer hours to supporting nonprofit and civic organizations across the region. That’s right—these folks really know how to celebrate!
Hands-On Help Across the Valley
From the sunny skies of Mississippi to the hills of Tennessee, TVA team members spread out to lend a helping hand. Picture this: twenty-four team members took their teamwork to the streets, helping to build homes for Habitat for Humanity just east of Starkville. But that’s not all; the energy was contagious as TVA volunteers spruced up food pantries in Tupelo, Mississippi, and Decatur, Alabama, prepping goods and produce to ensure families had what they needed. Talk about community spirit!
Making a Difference for Kids
In bustling cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, TVA volunteers rolled up their sleeves to package groceries at food pantries, giving buildings a fresh coat of paint, and even spreading joy by handing out toys to children at a local hospital. You could practically feel the warmth and happiness flowing through the halls of the Ronald McDonald House locations where they transformed living spaces into cheerful spots for families. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, they were out painting park benches, adding color and comfort to the community.
Back in Knoxville, TVA volunteers were busy at the DeBusk Family Boys and Girls Club and the Emerald Youth Foundation, where they painted learning spaces and gathered STEM and reading materials for kids. And don’t forget Jackson, Tennessee, where volunteers put together snack bags to ensure children could enjoy a treat!
Planting Seeds of Hope
Memphis was not left behind, either! TVA’s hard-working crew teamed up with Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, dedicating time to weeding, clearing brush, and even tending to box gardens at Habitat for Humanity homes. You might say they were planting seeds of hope for a brighter future for the Valley’s children and families.
Leading by Example
“Service to others is foundational to TVA’s mission,” said TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash, expressing the passion and commitment that TVA employees have for their communities. “You can see the passion and dedication of our people… It’s inspiring to see our teams share that energy with nonprofits and community organizations.” Trust us; those volunteers seemed to be brimming with enthusiasm!
It’s evident that TVA’s dedication to service has deep roots in its history. Written into the fabric of its guiding principles are wonderful commitments to power production, flood control, river navigation, and environmental stewardship. These missions are not just talk; they’re put into action every day with the aim of bettering life in the Valley region.
A Timeless Mission
As Lyash put it, “TVA’s mission of service is timeless.” This bustling week of volunteer efforts proves that even after 91 years, TVA remains focused on helping the people in the region thrive. The teamwork demonstrated and the smiles shared were just a few shining examples of how committed TVA employees are to making a difference where it matters most.
So here’s to TVA—a company that not only provides power but also energy for positive change in the community. Here’s to more years of community service, growth, and a bright future for all in the Valley!
