(L-R) Tommy Minish, Jason Bond, Brian Smith, Ken Gordon and Brad Moon. Also assisted but not pictured are Brian Patton, Randall Echols and Alan Simmons

As part of a long-standing tradition of helping neighbors, several Jackson EMC’s Neese district employees recently teamed up with the Athens Area Homebuilders Association (AAHBA) to provide electrical wiring labor for a new home for Melissa Christian and her two children.

Ms. Christian is a Jackson EMC member and is also the widow of former Jackson EMC employee, Buddy Christian, an Athens-Clarke County police officer, who was tragically taken from his family and friends while doing the job he loved.

She and Buddy had just finalized the plans and gotten approval for their construction loan the day before he was killed.  Melissa was left to pick up the pieces and carry on for her young children.

Builder and Athens Area Homebuilders Association member Karen Griffin decided that she didn’t want to see the dream of building their new home become part of the tragedy.  She began seeking financial assistance and gathering building materials from supply companies to turn this dream into reality.

She also needed some bighearted people to donate labor; that’s where our Neese employees stepped-up.  They provided the labor needed for wiring the home and even helped install the windows.

Griffin said, “The Jackson EMC crew is so pleasant and their workmanship, professionalism, along with how they cleaned up behind themselves, was unprecedented.”  She added, “I’d hire those guys to work for me any day.”

Brian Patton, district residential marketing rep, has been involved with AAHBA for more than 20 years.  Patton said.  “Our employees do it because it’s the right thing to do and it gives Jackson EMC the opportunity to be involved in the community.”