Giving Back, One Pound at a Time

by Barbara Jenkins

For Arkansas Valley Electric, providing power is only one aspect of our mission. The cooperative believes in changing our communities one family at a time.

The 2nd annual Beef Giveaway brings together community entities including the county's extension service, county fair, FFA/4-H and cooperative members across the River Valley.

This year's Beef Giveaway is rooted in Scott County. Jacob Free, a freshman from Boles, is a lifelong participant of the Scott County Fair. Free's dedication to the future of Arkansas agriculture is a true representation of the River Valley spirit of giving.

“Agriculture is the cornerstone of everything,” Jacob said. “Only 2% of the world are farmers, and that 2% feeds the other 98%. It feels good to give back to my community doing something I love.”

The 2025 AVECC Beef Giveaway winners include:

• Waldron District: Dan Ritchie

• Ozark District: Christie Weaver

• Van Buren District: Angie Jennings

• Pocola District: Brett Collins

Each winner received a quarter of locally raised beef, processed by Daily Meats.

“It’s a blessing to have locally grown food to feed our family,” said Ozark District winner Christie Weaver. “We know where it came from, and it means so much to be part of something local.”

“It’s a good program. It helps out 4-H and the community,” added Van Buren District winner Angie Jennings.

Waldron District winner Dan Ritchie shared how the cooperative’s generosity inspired him to pay it forward. “I’m just grateful. This is a blessing for us,” he said. “I’ll share some with my stepdaughter and maybe the church, too.”

Brett Collins laughingly added, "I'm grateful. This meat will last for at least a few days!"