From noodles and meal kits to board games and race cars, Northern Electric employees got into the holiday spirit by giving to others. As part of an annual tradition at Northern, employees spent the month before Christmas gathering donations for the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots.

Almost 400 canned goods and non-perishable food items were donated to the Salvation Army in Aberdeen. The items will be distributed locally by the Salvation Army as part of their Christmas food distribution program.

“Our employees embody the cooperative spirit every day, but it’s especially evident during the holidays,” said Char Hager, Northern Electric Cooperative general manager and CEO.

Employees filled two boxes with toys and games to be donated to area children. The Toys for Tots program provides Christmas presents to kids under 13 years old who would not otherwise receive a gift. In 2024, the Aberdeen chapter of Toys for Tots distributed over 3,400 new toys and supported 1,621 children. The local chapter operates in the upper northeast South Dakota region, stretching from Aberdeen to Mobridge, and strives to give each child a large toy and a small toy.