At Peoples Gas and Tampa Electric our employees are finding ways to “Inspire Hope” during the pandemic. And we’re proud to share stories of team members safely volunteering and inspiring hope in our communities, one day at a time.
If you deliver the mail or pick up the trash at Monica Byrnes’ house, you’re in luck. The TECO employee – or her husband Steve – will likely greet you with a bottle of cold water or Gatorade, straight from the spare refrigerator in their garage.
“It’s so hot, and their trucks have no air conditioning,” Monica explains. “We wanted to take care of someone else.”
Last year Steve had some health issues. Part of his therapy was to walk, just a short distance at first, then longer. He reached the mailbox and they celebrated by handing water to their mail carrier. When COVID-19 came along, they expanded to the waste management truck drivers. Always wearing the proper masks, of course.
“We do it every single day,” says Monica. “We try to catch the delivery truck drivers, too. One day a police officer was checking on some neighbors who left their garage open, so we gave him some water.”
The drivers are appreciative. Monica shared that when she first handed a Gatorade to the waste management driver, he looked surprised. “For me? Thank you so much!”
Monica and Steve’s son works outside in Clearwater. “He installs docks, and I know how hot he gets. I just hope there’s someone in Clearwater handing him some water when he’s overheated.” Clearwater, are you listening?
Inspiring hope and keeping drivers hydrated. Monica and Steve have created an oasis of safety right in their community.
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