The Guam Power Authority (GPA) successfully wrapped up its 2025 Public Power Week (PPW) community donation drives in late October, closing out a month-long effort to collect food and shoes for local nonprofit partners supporting Guam’s most vulnerable families and children.
Through the combined efforts of Commissioners with the Consolidated Commission on Utilities, GPA employees and customers, the Authority gathered over 2,800 non-perishable food items for Catholic Social Services Guam and over 500 pairs of new shoes, slippers and backpacks for Alee Children’s Shelter, and Harvest House Guam.
GPA’s Outreach Committee met on October 29 to sort and pack all donations before hand-delivering them to the organizations on October 30.
The donation drives are part of GPA’s annual Public Power Week celebration, held each October to recognize the men and women behind Guam’s public power utility and to give back to the community it serves, the public power utility noted.
GPA General Manager John M. Benavente, P.E., shared “The heart of public power is service, not just keeping the lights on, but shining a light on the needs within our island. What began as a simple call for donations turned into a collective act of compassion. I’m proud of our employees and customers who came together to make a real difference.”
Running from October 1st to 28th, GPA’s Canned Food Drive invited employees and the public to donate shelf-stable goods such as canned meats, seafood, soups, fruits, rice, and milk.
Donation boxes placed at GPA’s customer service locations in Fadian, Upper Tumon, and Hagåtña helped fill the shelves of Catholic Social Services’ food pantry.
CSS staff expressed appreciation for the timely delivery, noting that the food collected will help feed families as the holidays near.
For the first time, GPA’s Public Power Week featured a New Shoe & Slipper Drive, collecting brand new footwear for children and teens residing in local shelters and foster care homes.
“Many of us take for granted the comfort of a good pair of shoes. For a child in transition, something as simple as that can restore confidence and dignity. Seeing our employees rally behind this cause reminded us that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact," said Joyce Sayama, GPA Communications Manager.
Donations included sizes ranging from toddlers to teens, benefiting children under the care of Alee Children’s Shelter, which provides 24 hour protective services for victims of abuse or neglect, and Harvest House Guam, which supports foster families and children across the island.
GPA’s Public Power Week community outreach initiatives will extend into November when GPA’s team of volunteers support the Special Olympics Guam’s Softball Jamboree.
GPA employees will serve as team coaches, supporters, and event staff at the annual event.
The community is invited to attend this free event to cheer on the teams competing this year: Megawatts, Dodgers, Dukduk, and Tigers.
Benavente added, “Our work is powered by employees who are committed to serving the same community where they live, raise children, and work. These drives are proof that public power reaches far beyond electricity. It strengthens families, uplifts children, and unites our island through service.”
The Authority extended its deepest gratitude to all employees and volunteers who contributed to this year’s success.
