Staff sponsors CELEBRATION of TREES

In the Touchstone Energy® spirit of commitment to

Standing by the tree (from left to right) are Wes Engbrecht, Louis Ciavarella, Dana Solem, Doug Mork, Ron Lipp, Laurie Rogstad, Paul Fitterer, Michelle Colton, Josh Schaffner and Justin Morgen.

community, the Capital Electric Cooperative staff decorated a Christmas tree and donated it to Pride Inc.’s “Celebration of Trees.” After a tree viewing at Kirkwood Mall in Bismarck, Pride will distribute the donated trees to local families in need.

According to its Web site, Pride serves approximately 330 individuals including the elderly, people with developmental or physical disabilities, and those who suffer from alcohol or drug additions.

Michelle Colton, secretary/billing clerk for the co-op, says the office staff chose a Victorian theme of gold and burgundy decorations.

“We wanted to give away an elegant tree; something both children and adults would enjoy,” she says.

Carmen Devney, staff writer, says there’s a timeless magic wrapped up in a Christmas tree.

“When I was a little girl, I used to curl up under the tree and stare up through the branches at the lights. The colors would bounce off the glitter on the bulbs and cast a magic spell in the soft shadows. If I closed my eyes, I could feel snowflakes melt on my skin. I could smell the rich scent of pine needles in our artificial tree. I could hear reindeer hooves prance on the roof,” she says.

“To this day, there’s something magical about a sparkling Christmas tree. Maybe we can spread some of that magic by giving this tree to a family in need.”

Believing in the magic of a smile created by a simple gift, the staff at Capital Electric Cooperative wishes our member-owners a safe, healthy and happy holiday season. May our Victorian tree light the home—and smiles—of a deserving family this holiday season.