Georgetown Nonprofit Saves Energy and Money Thanks to Volunteer’s Donation

February 24, 2025

Kathrynn McElroy, a lifelong volunteer with Helping Hands, was selected as the grand prize winner of Efficiency Smart’s Premier Volunteer Contest. The contest, designed to recognize the contributions of local volunteers and raise awareness about Efficiency Smart’s energy efficiency services, awarded McElroy a free home energy efficiency check-up and up to $500 for energy-saving improvements.

Instead of using the prize for herself, McElroy chose to donate her winnings back to Helping Hands. The nonprofit, which serves over 275 families weekly in Brown County, used the donated funds to install energy-efficient LED lighting and upgrade its freezer. These improvements have helped the organization save on energy costs, allowing for more funds to be directed toward its mission of supporting local families in need.

For more on Kathrynn’s story and how the contest benefited Helping Hands, read the full story here.