Collective Action Supports Foster Children at A Kid’s Place

It's no secret we believe in the power of community and the impact of collective action at Tampa Electric. Those traits were both recently demonstrated when team members helped organize a donation drive. The response was nothing short of inspiring.

After touring and volunteering at A Kid's Place in Brandon earlier this year, our Customer Experience (CE) Strategy & Research team members vowed to continue their efforts to help children in need. During their first visit, they discovered a pressing need for specific items like ethnic hair products and men's body wash - essentials that are often overlooked but crucial for the children's comfort and well-being.

Motivated by this discovery, the team, alongside our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), HOLA, EBAT, and HOLA PGS sprang into action. "The boys expressed a desire for these products, wanting to avoid smelling 'like flowers', as they put it," said Aileen Muniz, Tampa Electric's Credit & Collections Analyst and HOLA Communications Sub Lead. "As someone with textured hair, I understand the importance of having the right products, especially for kids and teenagers who want to fit in."

Together, team members from Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas generously donated a variety of items, including hair products, accessories, deodorant, men's body wash, satin pillowcases and more - a tremendous example of the impact of collective action.

The outpouring of support truly paid off when Aileen delivered the donations to A Kid's Place.

"The gratitude and appreciation from their staff were overwhelming," shared Aileen. "It's moments like these that remind us of the profound impact we can have when we come together for a cause."

Jaimillie Gray, Tampa Electric's Billing Analyst and HOLA Events Sub Lead, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, "Our support isn't just about giving, it's about embodying hope and demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in our community."

At TECO, we continue to be proud of our team's dedication and generosity to support those in need. Together, we continue to strive toward creating a brighter future for all.

For more information about A Kid's Place, visit Safe Haven for Foster Children | A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay (akidsplacetb.org) or call 813-381-3839.