LPEA’s line personnel organizing “Fill the Bucket” food drives in Archuleta and La Plata counties Nov. 14-15

DURANGO/PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo. – Building on the successful inaugural effort in 2008, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, (Local IBEW 111 26A) and La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) have once again organized the “Fill the Bucket” food drive.

Originally held only in Pagosa Springs, the event will expand in 2009 with concurrent drives in Durango and Pagosa on Saturday, Nov. 14, followed by an additional drive in Pagosa on Sunday, Nov. 15. Community members are encouraged to drop by and “fill the buckets” of the trucks with non-perishable food items (canned goods or boxed/bagged dry goods).  In Archuleta County, donated food will be taken to the Community Methodist Food Bank, with the Durango Food Bank receiving goods in La Plata County.

 In Durango on Nov. 14, LPEA’s bucket trucks – those vehicles used by LPEA’s line crews to access overhead electrical lines – will be stationed in the parking lot at Albertson’s (311 Camino del Rio) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As an extra bonus, local country band Midnight Backhand, led by LPEA journeyman lineman Jerry Sutherlin, will add a festive musical backdrop to the event.

In Pagosa Springs, LPEA’s bucket truck will be at the downtown Pagosa Springs City Market (755 San Juan) on Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Nov. 15, at the uptown City Market (63 N. Pagosa Blvd.) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 “We’re very proud that LPEA’s IBEW members in both Pagosa and Durango have stepped up for this great effort,” said Greg Munro, LPEA CEO. “People are in greater need this year, and this is perfect timing in advance of Thanksgiving. We hope a lot of folks will bring their food donations to help ensure those less fortunate in our area will enjoy a hearty and healthy Thanksgiving meal.”

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers represents approximately 750,000 members who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government. 

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For further information, visit www.lpea.coop.

For further information on the “Fill the Bucket” food drive, contact Jeannie Bennett at 970.382.3505, or [email protected].