(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Xcel Energy.)

Nearly 2,500 volunteers from Xcel Energy and the communities it serves took action to support nonprofit organizations during the company’s 13th annual Day of Service earlier this month.

The volunteers dedicated over 7,200 volunteer hours to support over 100 organizations with projects that ranged from packing meals and repairing homes for families to cleaning up nature trails and planting trees. Volunteer efforts generated $230,000 in economic impact across communities in many of the states the company serves, including Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.

“Volunteering is in our DNA; it allows us to change lives, deepen our roots in the community and address the things that matter most to our families, friends and neighbors,” said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy, who took part in the event by joining Minnesota nonprofit Hearts & Hammers in landscaping and painting the home of a local veteran. “It was inspiring to see our employees come together with community members and support their local nonprofits.”

Nearly 1,000 volunteers in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota dedicated over 3,100 hours, with an economic impact of nearly $100,000. Among other accomplishments, volunteers packed 50,000 meals, assembled school supplies for 6,000 students and packed 3,000 dental kits.

Day of Service, a tradition since 2010, was created as a tribute to the victims, survivors and first responders of 9/11, as well as all those who work to keep communities and the country safe. The annual volunteer event provides an opportunity for Xcel Energy and members of the community to come together and contribute to projects that benefit local nonprofits.

“Xcel Energy’s generosity and willingness to give back have created a ripple effect of positivity and hope, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps,” said Renee Newhouse, director of volunteer services at the Jewish Family Service in Denver, where volunteers supported the Weinberg Food Pantry in assisting individuals and families facing hunger and food insecurity. “Their contributions will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.”