This week, Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative announced that Help Tuck Them In is the cooperative’s finalist for the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives regional “Who Powers You?” Contest. The contest recognizes Touchstone Energy members, employees, and organizations that go above and beyond to help others.

Learning about the nomination was a nice surprise, said LLEC board member and Help Tuck Them In director Joel Buyck.

“To be recognized in our area is really impressive,” said Buyck. He said the Who Powers You? Contest usually has more finalists from South Dakota, because there aren’t many Touchstone cooperatives in southwest Minnesota.

The nomination announcement said the Help Tuck Them In program has made a big impact in LLEC’s service region.

Photo courtesy of Joel Buyck Marshall Rotarians recently volunteered to sand and stain bed frames for the Help Tuck Them In program, based out of Tracy.

“What started as a simple idea has quickly grown into a powerful, volunteer-driven effort that is changing lives across Lyon-Lincoln’s service territory” wrote Jessica Gums, who nominated Buyck for the contest. “The Tracy Lions partner with schools, local organizations, and community members to ensure these beds reach the children who need them most, while bringing others together to be part of the solution.”

The Tracy Lions Club, led by individuals including Buyck and Lori Alf, is making a difference by caring for vulnerable people in the community, the nomination said.

Since 2023, the Help Tuck Them In program has delivered about 400 beds and 30 cribs to area families, Buyck said.

“This was a project that, when we started . . . we thought we’d have maybe 50 (beds) and be done,” Buyck said. The number of children in need in the area was eye-opening, he said.

“We’ve had a lot of support from the community,” Buyck said. In addition to making donations, lots of area residents have volunteered to help with sanding and staining the parts for wooden bed frames.

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives will be accepting nominations for the Who Powers You? Contest through April 19. Three final winners will be selected by a panel of judges. Weekly finalists will be announced and featured on the Keloland Living t.v. show, and the three contest winners will be announced on Keloland Living on May 28.