CDE Lightband and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) partnered to match funds totaling $30,000 for Clarksville’s Imagination Library and $20,000 for The Salvation Army through TVA’s Community Care Fund. TVA gave local power companies, including CDE Lightband, the opportunity to identify organizations or local initiatives in need for which they can seek the matching funds. With an initial $2 million pledge to match the valley’s local contributions, TVA’s Community Care Fund launched in April 2020 to help address hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the success of the first initiative, TVA doubled its matching funds up to $4 million.
“Our commitment to give back to the community remains a priority especially during these times. Partnering with TVA has supported these organizations in achieving their mission as they help ease the unprecedented burdens on those we serve,” says Brian Taylor, general manager of CDE Lightband.
The Imagination Library of Montgomery County was unfortunately facing funding shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each month, children ages birth to five years, receive a book addressed to them in the mail. Inside, these books have important reading and literacy tips for parents and also encourage reading together.
“With these matching funds, we will be able to share the love of reading and improve early childhood reading readiness by sending out books to our 8,500 enrollees for three months. The Imagination Library of Montgomery County will also be able to continue to enroll new children and increase our reach throughout the city and county,” says Karen Morrow, co-chair of The Imagination Library of Montgomery County.
The Salvation Army raised funds to help families who experienced financial hardship during the pandemic. Through campaigns, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) grants as well as individual donors, the money will be used to continue safe and effective service to community members displaced during the COVID-19 crisis through their shelter, Pathway of Hope, and LifNav programs.
The Salvation Army of Clarksville is so blessed to have such a generous community relationship with CDE Lightband. This generosity will ensure the continuation of assistance for many lives affected by hardships caused by the COVID pandemic. We are so grateful,” says Captain Jonathan Whitaker, commanding officer with The Salvation Army.