Over the summer of 2008, the local United Way and RSVP offices set out to bridge the gap between local incomes and rising energy prices by starting the Lamoille County Firewood Project. VEC employees volunteered their time to help cut, split, and stack over 50 cords of wood over the course of two work days.

The Firewood Program donated cordwood to local residents with incomes from 126% to 200% above the poverty level. The people served by this program are typically those who fall through the cracks of the current system - earning too much to qualify for traditional fuel assistance, but who nonetheless would be struggling through a cold winter of high energy prices.

Taking a different approach at community service, VEC’s CEO Dave Hallquist volunteered to participate in "Dunk the CEO" booth at the Annual Meeting and Energy Fair held on May 30th, 2009 with all proceeds going to the Firewood Program. Employees and members had an opportunity to see Dave under water several times. The booth raised over $300 for the community-based program.