FirstEnergy’s Green Team recently demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship by participating in a community garden revitalization project in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Led by Lucy Bittner, Vice President of Jeanette Greenspaces, the volunteers worked tirelessly to replenish garden plots with fresh topsoil and compost, despite facing challenges like malfunctioning wheelbarrows.
Bittner expressed her gratitude, stating, “I can’t thank yinz enough.” She also highlighted the importance of the Green Team’s support, especially for those who are no longer able to contribute physically due to age or health reasons.
As the volunteers dedicated themselves to the task at hand, one member humorously remarked, “Is it raining? I thought I was sweating,” showcasing their determination and good spirits.
FirstEnergy forester Jakob Radovic distributed free white flowering dogwood saplings during the event, emphasizing the significance of giving back to the community. Radovic shared, “It’s nice to give back to the community and plant trees that will help our local community flourish for many years to come without becoming an issue for a power company.”
The initiative aligns with FirstEnergy’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, with a goal of planting 25,000 trees in 2024, half of which are earmarked for underserved communities like Jeanette. The company has already planted over 67,000 trees across its service areas, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support.
Reflecting on the experience, Taylor Hoffman, a fiberoptic engineer at FirstEnergy, expressed, “I just love participating in this initiative for FirstEnergy to give back to the community.” Hoffman’s sentiment echoes the enthusiasm shared by all Green Team members who engage in such events annually.
The collaborative efforts between FirstEnergy’s Green Team and Jeanette Greenspaces not only benefit the environment but also foster a sense of community involvement and support. To learn more about FirstEnergy’s environmental and corporate responsibility endeavors, visit fecorporateresponsibility.com.
