Ottertail Power Company held its Holiday Light Exchange event in Crookston on October 26, from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Ottertail Power Company Energy Management Representative Aaron Sigette explained why the event was held and the goals they were trying to accomplish. “We essentially are trying to recycle old Christmas Lights and replace them with new, more efficient LED Christmas Lights,” said Sigette. “So, for every canned food item or cash donation that was brought to us that day for the Crookston Care & Share, we in return donate LED Christmas lights to the community.”
The event has been held in Crookston before, and Sigette said this year’s numbers topped the previous years. “This is the third year we’ve now done this event in Crookston, and we’ve also done it twice in Hallock,” said Sigette. “In 2020 in Crookston, we had 1,200 lbs. of food that we donated and $394 in cash donations. Back then, we were partnering with the North Country Food Bank. This year we beat the lbs. of food that we got as we received 1,380 lbs. and $323 in cash that will go to the Crookston Care & Share.”
Sigette also said the numbers in Hallock this year doubled, and all the proceeds raised from that event went to the Cornerstone Food Pantry in Hallock. Sigette considers both events a huge success and also said Ottertail Power Company was able to get plenty of LED Christmas Lights out into the community.
Sigette said everyone at Ottertail Power Company appreciates the generosity of those that showed up and participated, and he’s always surprised at how giving the Crookston community is. “The people up here are great whether it’s in Crookston or Hallock,” said Sigette. “I’m always surprised how they come out in full force with their food and cash donations for the local charities. It’s pretty fun to be a part of and see.”
A picture of Sigette presenting the money to Crookston Care & Share Executive Director Brian Halos can be found down below. Also pictured is Duane Straus who helped throughout the event.
Pictured L-R: Aaron Sigette, Brian Halos, Duane Straus
