Virden Wind, the 100 MW energy project approved by the Montgomery County Board earlier this year, has announced more than $4,000 in end-of-year donations to area organizations working to brighten the holidays for those in need.
Charles Wright, Head of Development and Vice President with UKA North America, the company developing Virden Wind, said the donations are a thank you to the community which welcomed the project in 2024.
“Montgomery County is Virden Wind’s home, and we are committed to being good neighbors,” he said.
The donations include $3,000 for the Panhandle Food Pantry, which will help pay the monthly grocery bill for 100 families; $1,000 for the Farmersville Illuminatus Motorcycle Club to help purchase 150 to 175 toys for students in the Panhandle Community School District; and a $300 donation to the Panhandle Third Day Project Polar Express Day in Farmersville to provide 18 pillows and pillowcases and buy 30 pairs of pajamas for students in kindergarten and first grade as part of the Polar Express Day.
“With the struggles many families face affording groceries, we have seen a sustained need in the community this year,” said Darrin Daugherty, Chairman, Panhandle Food Pantry. “We are seeing anywhere from 25 to 30 families every Saturday and that fluctuates. It gets worse in the winter with no fresh fruits and vegetables in the yard. This donation from Virden Wind will help us fill that gap and ensure 100 families have food on the table this Christmas.”
James Barnes, aka Double-O, President of the Farmersville Illuminatus Motorcycle Club, said their annual food and toy drive allows many families and children experience the magic of Christmas. Virden Wind’s donation will help us bring that joy of the holidays to families and give more than 150 children a Christmas gift this year, said Barnes. “We’ve had people break down in tears saying how much this really helps. What seems like an insignificant amount to you or I, but for somebody that doesn’t have it, it’s a lot.”
Wright’s hope is that that Virden Wind will become a valued partner of the community in years to come. “In 2025, and beyond, we will continue to listen to the community and partner with the organizations and the people working to support the families of Montgomery County.”