Group receives $2,000 donation in honor of Nicole Low
The Eldora Community Garden’s Nicole Low was named today as 1 of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperative’s 2022 Shine the Light award winners. Low was selected to receive a $2,000 grant for the garden. The Shine the Light awards are awarded annually to volunteers who’ve made a substantial impact in their community.
In its second year, the statewide contest invited member-owners and employees of Iowa’s locally-owned electric cooperatives to nominate deserving volunteers in their communities.
Low was nominated by Paul Lawler of Union, who is a member of Midland Power Cooperative. Low was selected for her work with the Eldora Community Garden to bring access to fresh produce to the area’s low-income residents while also creating a unique community asset. A registered nurse with 2 young daughters, Low started the community garden 4 years ago because she saw a need in the community. Nicole volunteers with every aspect of the garden, which provides a communal gardening space and donates produce locally.
“The Shine the Light contest gave our members and employees a unique opportunity to show their appreciation for family, friends, and neighbors who are working to improve our communities,” said Bill McKim, CEO of Midland Power Cooperative. “Nicole is a wonderful example of the tremendous power we each have to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Across the state, nearly 70 volunteers were nominated, highlighting the work of many incredible Iowans. In addition to Low, 2 other volunteers were selected to receive grants for their charitable organizations.
More information on the program can be found at the Iowa Shine The Light website.