What can a community achieve if you bring together a teacher, a librarian, an electrician, a councilman, a retired businessman to make a community a better place? Alone each of these talents can do great things, but combine their talents and skills and you get a low cost generator solution at the Garwin Community Center to help the community when a small town loses power after a natural catastrophe. From writing the grant, typing the grant, laying the electrical-line, hooking up the system these community leaders worked together and accomplished their goal in April 2011 right before the straight-line wind storm hit in July 2011. Remind me – what are the EDIES.
HOW WE DID IT:
The city needed a reliable source of electricity during long term outages. When the idea was presented to the community as fundraisers, the community responded with volunteers, a grant writer, and more ideas. With the hard work and perseverance of several volunteers, we were able to accomplish the task.
HOW WE GOT THE IDEA:
Part of Garwin’s Emergency Management Plan needed electricity and a place for shelter during emergencies.
OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE:
Developing a plan and coordination of volunteers’ time and skills and installing the material.
HOW WE OVERCAME IT:
The community pitched in, including using the Retired Brigade to run and deliver material to the job site.
ADVICE TO OTHERS:
Whole community involvement is a must!
WHAT IS NEXT:
We are currently taking donations, along with fundraisers for a community digital sign.
For more information about Garwin, go to their website at www.tamacountyiowa.org/garwin.
