Laurens Electric’s Pay It Forward Initiative Helps Local Veteran Recover from Hurricane Helene
February 19, 2025
Laurens Electric Cooperative’s Pay It Forward initiative continues to make a meaningful impact in the community, with Technical Service Technician Matt Evans selecting a local veteran in need as the latest recipient. Evans paid forward $500 to Buddy Baldwin, an 87-year-old Army First Sergeant whose home in Waterloo sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Helene.
Baldwin, a Vietnam War veteran who served two tours, is a dedicated member of American Legion Post 25 in Laurens, which has been actively working to help him rebuild. The Buzz first reported on Post 25’s efforts to repair Baldwin’s home, highlighting their commitment to supporting veterans and others in need. The organization launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for essential repairs, and thanks to donations and volunteer labor, the project is moving forward.
Laurens Electric employees, particularly those working in the field, saw firsthand the devastation caused by Helene and Evans wanted to make a difference for someone still recovering from the storm. “With all the damage we saw after Helene, I wanted to help someone recovering from the storm,” he said.
The funds from Evans’ Pay It Forward donation, combined with contributions from the GoFundMe campaign, will help purchase supplies for the repairs. Volunteers from Post 25 will provide the labor, reinforcing the strong network of veterans helping veterans in Laurens County.
The Buzz has shared several examples of Laurens Electric’s Pay It Forward initiative in action, showcasing the positive impact employees are making in the community. This program, launched in 2015, gives every Laurens Electric employee an opportunity to pay forward $500 in a way of their choosing. Each month, a different employee is randomly selected and has one month to carry out their act of kindness. The initiative is budget-neutral, as funds come from charity events organized and staffed by Laurens Electric employees.
The American Legion’s Commitment to Service
The American Legion, chartered by Congress in 1919, is the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization. Dedicated to mutual helpfulness, the Legion advocates for veterans, performs community service, and sponsors programs like Boys State and Girls State, which provide leadership training and civic education for young people.
The American Legion Post 25 in Laurens continues to be a force for good in the community, as demonstrated by their commitment to Baldwin’s home repairs. This is just one of many ways they fulfill their mission of serving veterans and their families.
Those interested in supporting Baldwin’s recovery can donate through the GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/2c2cbdb7.
To learn more about American Legion Post 25, apply for membership, or get involved, visit legionpost25sc.org or find them on Facebook at American Legion Post 25 Laurens, SC.
