Customer Response Unit (CRU) distribute Thanksgiving meals to families in need in 4th Annual CRUsgiving
For many, Thanksgiving is traditionally a time of gathering with family and friends to share a delicious meal. A time to reflect on our lives and the things we are grateful for. However, as with almost every holiday this year, the pandemic will change how we celebrate due to COVID-19 safety precautions and social distancing restrictions.
But still, there is a lot to be thankful for. That is one reason why CPS Energy’s Community Programs Team is going forward with the tradition of feeding customers in need in the 4th Annual CRUsgiving. While we might not be able to do all the typical traditions, we are pivoting to safely provide 40 fully-cooked Thanksgiving meals to customers going through tough financial times.
“We are giving thanks to the people in our lives – friends, family, and customers, and our health and wellness,” said Sandy Maudet, Interim Manager of Community Programs Development for CPS Energy. “Even in these challenging times, we have so much to be thankful for. It feels really good to be able to provide a Thanksgiving meal to these deserving families and give back to our community during this meaningful time of the year.”
CRUsgiving started with a simple idea to help customers in need, then blossomed into something bigger.
“Thanksgiving is a time when people enjoy a big, festive meal around the dinner table with family and friends, but not everyone has the financial means to be able to do so. We are fortunate to have our Community Programs team members who recognize our community’s needs. They vigilantly work every day to ensure our customers have the resources they need to stay safe and healthy,” said Rudy Garza, Chief Customer Engagement Officer for CPS Energy. “The need in our community is great every year, but now more than ever, members of our community are experiencing tremendous hardship. Our philosophy is People First, so we will continue doing what we can to help those in need.”
“Dinner is going to make a difference,” said Angel Martinez, a CRUsgiving recipient. “We normally spend holidays with in-laws but because of COVID we will be spending Thanksgiving with just our family of five. It’s a tough time right now but you all are working with me.”
CPS Energy’s team members comply with all local and state orders and will follow CDC guidelines by conducting a “no contact delivery” of meals.
“We are so happy to receive this Thanksgiving meal”, said Mrs. Santana, another CRUsgiving recipient. “This has been a rough year for my family and CPS Energy has helped us so much.”
Sandra Rangel echoed the same grateful sentiment, “We really appreciate it. It’s going to be good for me and my boys. And I just hope everybody stays safe. “
CPS Energy offers various energy savings and assistance programs for families struggling to pay their energy bills. To help customers during this pandemic, CPS Energy is actively making phone calls to customers to share bill assistance and Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) information with them. However, customers can call 210-353-2222 directly or visit cpsenergy.com/assistance.
And in the spirit of thanks and giving, now is the perfect time to lend a hand.Giving to REAP is easy. Customers can add a few dollars to their utility payment and indicate that amount, whether paying online or by paper. Or use the “Donate to REAP” to donate by debit or credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. You can also make a mobile donation by texting “REAPSATX” to 41444.
