Flint Energies donated $5,000 to Operation Veteran Smiles (OVS) to provide care packages for veterans receiving long-term care at Veterans Administration hospitals around the Southeast. Flint made the contribution with monies generated through a matching grant. The donation will help create more than 1,200 care packages. 

“Since our inception as a rural electric cooperative, Flint Energies has worked to improve the quality of life for our members. One way we can help is by assisting Operation Veteran Smiles with their initiative to bring smiles to injured or ill veterans,” says Flint Vice President of Cooperative Communications Marian McLemore. “Because our service territory is bookended by two military installations, veterans make up a significant portion of our membership. It is only right that we would support.”

A portion of the donated funds are the result of a matching grant by CoBank, one of Flint’s lenders. CoBank’s Sharing Success program doubles the contribution of its co-op customers to the charitable organization of their choice.

Operation Veteran Smiles was founded in 2012 by local resident and former Flint Energies’ Washington Youth Tour delegate Amelia Day. OVS’s mission is to bring smiles to veterans receiving long-term treatment at VA hospitals throughout the US. OVS exists to give back to those who have served our country through military service. Through regular visits to deliver cards, hygiene care packages, musical therapy and special events, OVS continues its mission to brighten the lives of those who have selflessly served our country. To date, almost 20,000 veterans across 17 states have received cards and care packages through the organization. To donate, visit operationveteransmiles.com/donate.