MARK SMITH / PVT Loading some of the collected supplies for transport to Hafen Elementary School are, from left, Shelley Baka, secretary at Hafen; Lisa Mays, secretary to the superintendent; and at right, Assistant Principal Mary Brickles. Advertisement

Valley Electric Association (VEA) held the first "Fill the Bucket Truck" event Saturday, Aug. 11, and the community stepped up once again for a great cause.

The VEA bucket, used primarily to hoist VEA line crews to repair or maintain overhead lines, was filled with school supplies a whopping 15 times.

"Next year we have a goal to surpass and, with the community's help, we will fill the bucket 20 or more times," said Staci Behnke, community and governmental relations manager.

The supplies were dropped off at the Nye County School District office and are being distributed.

In addition to the school supplies, over $1,200 in cash was collected. A $1,000 check was donated by Gerald Schulte, owner, and Edward Eder, sales manager of Dream Homes of Pahrump.

Karen Jackson from KNYE Radio held a live broadcast during the event and the VEA employees, who donated their time all day, were joined by Kaye's Allstate Insurance and Boy Scout Troop 808, who stood by the door and motivated people to buy school supplies and donate them. Wal-Mart made announcements throughout the day and supported the efforts as well.

VEA is holding a drawing for those people who donated school supplies and filled out a ticket. Four $50 power bill credits and other prizes will be awarded live on air with KNYE Friday, Aug. 17.

VEA and Kaye's Allstate will continue to collect school supplies until Aug. 31. Drop off donations at either the main lobby of Valley Electric Association, 800 E. Highway 372, or at Kaye's Allstate Insurance, 150 S. Highway 160 (next to Albertson's).