Grand Gulf Values Community Partnerships, Spreads Holiday Cheer

12/22/2020

Grand Gulf provided a $13,600 grant to CARES in support of its Celebrating Community Unity Christmas Event. Pictured left to right: GMPO Brad Wertz, RAPID Rob Melton and CARES President Linda Ory

From hosting food drives to providing gifts for families in need, Grand Gulf Nuclear Station team members gathered to spread the spirit of giving this holiday season.

"This holiday season has been different from any other year due to COVID-19. Our communities need our help now more than ever, and the Grand Gulf team has been tremendous to provide support," said Ed Garrison, Entergy's Grand Gulf Nuclear Station recovery manager. "Community service and charitable initiatives are a great way for co-workers to connect around a common goal."

The team donated more than 150 turkeys to families during Thanksgiving. Grand Gulf coordinated with local churches to provide meals by organizing meal pick-ups or deliveries. More than 350 plates of food were given away.

Annually, Grand Gulf's Women in Nuclear chapter conducts a friendly competition among team members collecting non-perishable food items for man food panties throughout Claiborne County and the surrounding area. This year, more than 20,000 nonperishable food items were donated. Pantries that have received non- perishable food donations include Emergency Shelter Team of Port Gibson, Christian Volunteers of Port Gibson, TRAID of Port Gibson, the Salvation Army of Vicksburg, Storehouse Community Food Pantry of Vicksburg, the Jefferson County Senior Citizen center of Fayette, New Hope Food Pantry and the Stew Pot of Natchez.

While Garrison dons his Santa costume, gathers his sleigh and reindeer and makes his way to the Claiborne County fairgrounds, on Friday, Dec. 18, Grand Gulf team members will join 13 church groups working with the CARES organization to donate 600 toys to those in need. During this festive event, families can enjoy Christmas movies, receive toys and shop with local businesses.

"Our local community is very important to us at Entergy and the Grand Gulf nuclear plant," Garrison said. "We should give back to help those who are in need. Entergy encourages and supports our efforts to assist our communities during these times; it is gratifying."

Just in time for the holidays, Grand Gulf team members made a monetary donation to the Claiborne County sheriff's office, enabling them to purchase various supplies. Grand Gulf is also participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program.

One of Entergy's core values is a commitment to the community. With these efforts, the employees of Grand Gulf maintain a strong presence in the Claiborne County community.