Utility employees sponsor 80 local children, donate $15,537 and volunteer in 2012

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 26, 2012 – Holiday wishes came true for 80 Central Florida children thanks to employees of the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA).

FMPA employees collected several car-loads of toys, clothes, shoes and electronics to grant the holiday wishes of children in need. This was FMPA’s 14^th consecutive year collecting gifts for the Children’s Home Society of Florida, an organization that protects children at risk and strengthens families.

“Service to our neighbors is a cornerstone of community power utilities, and our employees are passionate about it,” said FMPA General Manager and CEO Nicholas Guarriello. “The annual gift drive is a rewarding way to cap off our charitable giving and volunteering for 2012.”

FMPA employees organize frequent fundraisers and other activities throughout the year to support neighbors in need, including:

• Raising $15,537 in 2012 to support charities, including Heart of Florida United Way, The Russell Home for Atypical Children, and Children’s Home Society.
• Collecting non-perishable food items to support the Russell Home year-round and to provide holiday meals for a family in need.
• Repairing and redecorating the shelter and outreach center of Help Now Osceola, a domestic violence shelter and advocacy center in Osceola County, Fla. Employees also donated a variety of household supplies to help families recovering from domestic violence.

“With approximately 70 full-time employees, our staff may seem small, but together, we can make a big impact in our community,” said Guarriello.

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Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 31 municipal electric utilities. FMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities. The members of FMPA serve approximately two million Floridians.