FLASHES
The spirit of giving is alive and well at West Florida Electric Cooperative this Christmas season. What began in 2024 as an effort by J.T. and Lindsey Harper to help brighten the holidays for foster children has grown into a meaningful community project that our employees were blessed to help support this year.
Last year, the Harpers set out to fulfill the Christmas wishes of 20 foster children. Thanks to the overwhelming support from WFEC employees
and members of the community, the project has grown to support the wish lists of over 30 children this year.
“This is something that is very close to our hearts,” said J.T. Harper. “Our daughter, Lilly, was once in the foster care system, so we understand how important it is for these children to be seen and cared for - especially at Christmas.”
Lindsey Harper shared, “I am truly humbled by the amount of people
Lindsey, J.T., and Lilly Harper with some of the gifts that were purchased for local foster children this year during their second annual community charity project.
who have helped us meet our goal. We are successfully pouring back into our own community. I hope every gift these children receive is wrapped with the presence of Jesus and that they may feel His goodness over them.”
The Harpers’ compassion and dedication has inspired others to get involved with donations, gifts, and financial contributions pouring in. Over $4,500 was raised to help fulfill these children’s holiday wishes. “We have far surpassed my expectations,” J.T. said. “We’ve added kids and have been able to purchase extra items for each of them. My hope is that this project will continue to grow and that we can bless many more children next year.”
The ongoing generosity of WFEC employees and the surrounding community has helped make this project a success, bringing joy and hope to children who
Let WFEC Help Power Your Future
West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program. WFEC awards scholarships to deserving students from our service area who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership potential.
The cooperative’s scholarship program is one of the many ways WFEC invests in the future of the communities it serves. By helping local students further their education, West Florida Electric continues its longstanding commitment to supporting youth and building brighter futures across our region.
WhO Can apply: Applicants should be high school seniors whose parents or guardians are members of West Florida Electric Cooperative. Scholarships may be used to attend any college, university or technical/ trade school.
need it most. Each donation, gift, and act of support helps these children feel valued and remembered during the holiday season.
The Harpers hope that the project will continue to grow, reaching even more foster children and inspiring others to give back to their community. Through efforts like this, WFEC employees were able to light up the lives of those who need it most, proving that the true spirit of Christmas is found in the joy of giving.
Wyatt Speers (right) was selected as the 2025 scholarship recipient from Cottondale High School. Speers was Salutatorian of his class and began attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point this past June.
hOW tO apply: Applications and all eligibility requirements are available on the cooperative’s website (www.westflorida.coop) under the “My Co-op” menu. Applicants should carefully review all guidelines and submit their completed applications by January 5, 2026 at 5 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step toward your educational goals. Apply today and let WFEC help power your future.
Smith Earns HSI Instructor Level 1
Congratulations to Somer Smith for earning her Level 1 Instructor Certification from the Health and Safety Institute (HSI).
Smith attended HSI Instructor training in September and successfully completed the course. This certification qualifies her to instruct and assist in a wide range of safety and health training programs including:
• Adult and Pediatric First Aid
• CPR/AED classes for all ages
• Wilderness First Aid
• Bloodborne Pathogens
Take Control of Your Bill with EZ Pay Power
Looking for a flexible way to manage your electricity costs? West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) prepaid metering program, EZ Pay Power, may be the perfect fit for you. This program helps members save money on deposits and monitor energy use more closely, putting you in charge of your account.
Getting started is simple. Just apply online or stop by your local WFEC office and let us know you’re interested in prepaid electric service. With a one-time fee of only $105 plus your first power purchase, you’ll be on your way to managing your electricity in a whole new way.
With EZ Pay Power, you’ll receive convenient balance notifications via text message, letting you know when it’s time to add more funds. Power purchases can be made anytime online, by phone, using the WFEC mobile app, or in person during regular business hours. It’s so easy and convenient plus there is no service fee when purchases are made through the app or by calling 855-MY-WFECA.
• Child and Babysitting Safety
• Use and Administration of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
• Oxygen
• Stopping Life-Threatening Bleeding
This achievement will help Smith enhance and support WFEC’s ongoing commitment to safety within the cooperative and the communities we serve.
Many members who’ve switched to EZ Pay Power say they’ve noticed a drop in their energy use. That’s because prepaid service makes members more aware of when and how they’re using electricity, giving members the power to make smarter choices and save money.
If you’re ready for convenience, flexibility, and control over your energy use, consider giving our EZ Pay Power program a try.
To maximize your fireplace’s efficiency, always keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. An open damper is like an open window, allowing warm indoor air to escape and cold air to enter. Consider installing a fireplace insert, which improves heat output by circulating warm air into the room rather than letting it escape up the chimney. Also burn only seasoned hardwood to ensure a hotter, cleaner burn. Reglarly clean and inspect your chimney to maintain safe and efficient operation.
Make Your Holidays Merry, Bright and Energy Smart
May your future be merry and bright because you’re saving money using LED lights. This holiday season, choose LED Christmas lights for your indoor and outdoor displays. LEDs use far less electricity than traditional bulbs and offer several bright benefits:
1) They are safer. LEDs stay cool to the touch, reducing fire risks and preventing burns.
2) They last longer. LEDs are energy efficient and durable, shining for up to 20 years.
3) They are easier to install. You can connect up to 25 strands end-toend without overloading the outlet.
Light up your holidays the smart way with LEDs and enjoy savings all season long.
R e CI pe OF the M O nth Glazed Pecans Submitted by: Francis Bruner
Find this recipe and more: www.westflorida.coop/recipes
Submit your event by email clf@westflorida.coop. Visit the link below to view a list of events.
Notifications Statement:
Notice is hereby given that the West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., Board of Trustees regularly meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, unless special circumstances warrant a change. If you would like to address the Board of Trustees, please contact Holley Brown by calling 800-342-7400.
This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.