Recently SEC W.I.R.E. members donated 32 smoke detectors to South Lynches Fire Department.

As Santee Electric Cooperative, Inc. serves Florence, Clarendon, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties, this year, the W.I.R.E. group decided to undertake a service project in each of these four counties.

The smoke detectors were purchased through a Statewide W.I.R.E. program a few years ago. Soon after receiving them, Statewide legal representatives said W.I.R.E. groups weren't allowed to give the detectors directly to members because of liability that comes with giving someone such a device without providing proper installation and instruction on how to use them.

Because SEC W.I.R.E. members didn't want to see the items unused, they joined forces with South Lynches Fire Department. South Lynches Fire Department serves the cooperative's territory in southern Florence County making it a perfect fit for the smoke detector project.

Fire Marshall, Lt. Drew Godwin came to Santee Electric Cooperative's Kingstree office June 24 to collect the equipment. The devices will be placed in 32 homes of people in need by qualified firemen who can also provide instructions on what to do if the member's residence catch on fire.

'W.I.R.E. is pleased to help South Lynches Fire Department in their fire prevention efforts, and hope that by donating these smoke detectors that we help the community they serve come one step closer to preventing deaths and injuries caused by fire, said SEC W.I.R.E. President Christie Dyson.

Pictured, from left, are SEC W.I.R.E. members Janice Snow, Megan McClary, South Lynches Fire Department Fire Marshall, Lt. Drew Godwin, SEC W.I.R.E. President Christie Dyson and SEC W.I.R.E. member Donna McClary.

W.I.R.E. Key Woman, Mary Grace McGee also said the group's members visited the Kingstree Nursing Facility again June 18th. This was the third event the group participated in for the residents there. McGee would like to invite anyone interested in giving to the community and enjoying fellowship with other Women Involved In Rural Electrification to join the fun. She says she would especially like to see more retirees and spouses involved. The group's next event is planned for July 16 when they make their next visit to the nursing facility. Call Mary Grace at 843-355-0599 if you're interested.