Black River United Way receives $8,000 boost for early youth literacy from Santee Electric Cooperative and CoBank
June 5, 2026
GEORGETOWN, SC — Black River United Way (BRUW) is proud to announce a significant investment in local early childhood education, thanks to a combined $8,000 gift from Santee Electric Cooperative and CoBank’s Sharing Success program.
The funding began with a generous $4,000 joint donation from Santee Electric Cooperative, Cooperative LIGHT, and the local WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification) chapter. This contribution was subsequently matched dollar-for-dollar by CoBank, a national cooperative bank, doubling the total community impact to $8,000.
The $8,000 gift will directly support Black River United Way’s READ to LEAD program. This vital educational initiative places community volunteers directly into kindergarten and first-grade classrooms to foster a lifelong love of reading. The program combines interactive read-aloud sessions with the distribution of free books and specialized summer reading packs, allowing local children to build their very own libraries at home.
Pictured left to right: Rob Ardis, Santee Electric Cooperative CEO, Mauretta Wilson, Black River United Way Board Secretary, Yolanda McCray, Black River United Way President & CEO, and Jay Kirby, Santee Electric Cooperative Vice President of Public Affairs.
The enhanced funding will benefit students at several regional schools, including:
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Andrews Elementary School
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W.M. Anderson Primary School
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Greeleyville STEAM Academy
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Hemingway Elementary School
“We are proud to support the READ to LEAD program and grateful to CoBank for helping us maximize our impact through the Sharing Success program,” said Megan Blackburn of Santee Electric Cooperative.
“This investment in early literacy will make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children,” added Yolanda McCray, President and CEO of Black River United Way. “When we give children the tools to succeed in reading at an early age, we are planting the seeds for long-term academic and life success.”
Black River United Way extends its deepest gratitude to Santee Electric Cooperative, Cooperative LIGHT, SEC WIRE, and CoBank for their shared, unwavering commitment to strengthening educational opportunities for children across our rural communities.
About Black River United Way:
Located in Georgetown, SC, Black River United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. Through targeted programs like READ to LEAD and strategic community partnerships, BRUW works to create lasting, systemic change for children and families throughout Georgetown and Williamsburg counties.
