Texas public power utility Kerrville Public Utility Board in March said it was honored to recognize a meaningful gift presented by The Giver Connection, a Hill Country-based charity organization dedicated to spreading comfort and kindness through handmade quilts.
KPUB lineman Justin Martinez received a one-of-a-kind quilt, crafted by members of The Giver Connection in recognition of his service during the 2024 hurricane season.
His name was drawn from the eight linemen who volunteered for a crucial three-week mutual aid mission to restore power in Georgia and Florida following the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The team initially deployed on September 25, 2024, to Moultrie, Georgia, ahead of Hurricane Helene.
After completing restoration efforts in Georgia, they were en route back to Texas when they received an urgent request to assist in Florida.
“Without hesitation, the crew unanimously decided to turn around—just 30 miles from the Texas border—and continued their mission in Lakeland, Florida, where Hurricane Milton had caused widespread outages,” KPUB noted.
“Our linemen put their lives on the line to help restore power in the aftermath of natural disasters, often working in incredibly challenging conditions,” said Larry Lee, KPUB General Foreman. “This heartfelt gift from The Giver Connection is a beautiful reminder that their efforts do not go unnoticed. We are grateful for the warmth and appreciation shown to Justin and all our linemen.”
The Giver Connection is a local nonprofit that donates handmade quilts to cancer patients, community heroes, and charitable organizations. Each quilt is uniquely designed.
“KPUB extends its deepest thanks to The Giver Connection for their generosity and for helping wrap one of our own in warmth and appreciation. The utility has proudly answered the call for mutual aid on 13 occasions following natural disasters, participating in the American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Network,” the utility said.
