​WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 23, 2020) – Pepco has recognized Training Specialist Karen Smith for her community volunteer work at the company's virtual Powering Communities Employee Volunteer Awards. To recognize the employees' hard work, Pepco's parent company, Exelon, announced a $10,000 charitable contribution to Food and Friends, a local nonprofit that the award winner supports. During COVID-19, with the need is greater than ever, Pepco and its employees have continued to find innovative ways to continue volunteering efforts and supporting local non-profits. 

"Our employee volunteers are the heart and soul of our efforts to give back to the communities we serve," said Mellanie Kai Lassiter, senior manager of Corporate Relations for Pepco Holdings. "Every year their contributions never cease to amaze and inspire, and I am so glad we can recognize them and their nonprofit partners through our Powering Communities program."

This year's Powering Communities Employee Volunteer Award winner was selected for her contributions to Food and Friends.  

Karen Smith, of Washington, D.C., a training specialist, volunteers with the Food and Friends, an organization that works to improve the lives and health of people with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses that limit their ability to provide nourishment for themselves. On Saturdays and on holidays, she delivers medically tailored meals and groceries in D.C. that are designed to meet the medical and dietary needs of each client. Karen often takes high school students with her to educate them about the importance of community service.

This year, 24 employees across the Exelon family of companies were recognized for their efforts and their nonprofit partners each received grants from the company. An external selection committee, comprised of leaders from the nonprofit community, selected these dedicated individuals for their volunteer efforts. Since 2007, the awards program has recognized more than 240 employees and provided more than $1.5 million to nonprofit partners.

Through the Powering Communities program, hundreds of Pepco employees volunteer annually to support initiatives including arts and culture, community development, environmental sustainability, and education initiatives that align with the company's purpose of powering a cleaner and brighter future for its customers and communities.

In 2019, Pepco contributed more than $3 million to local nonprofits, while its employees volunteered nearly 13,746 hours—which is more than 1,700 work days—to benefit approximately 223 organizations throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Together, employees at Pepco and the Exelon family of companies volunteered more than 250,000 hours with a variety of organizations across the country in 2019.