Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CVEC) is pleased to announce that CVEC member Belinda Seay of Moravia
has been selected as one of three statewide winners of the 2026 Shine the Light contest, sponsored by the
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa.
Belinda was nominated by three fellow CVEC members – Sharon Cunningham, Pat Merrick and Marnie Starr – for her
longtime volunteer work with Monroe County Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization in Albia that operates a thrift
store and food bank to assist individuals and families in need.
For the past 10 years, Belinda has given her time to Monroe County Helping Hands, where she currently serves as the
clothing supervisor in the thrift store. Her nominators described her as someone who genuinely cares about others
and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Through her work, Belinda has touched the lives of countless individuals
and families in the community.
As a 2026 Shine the Light winner, Monroe County Helping Hands will receive a $3,000 donation in Belinda’s honor.
“Belinda represents exactly what the Shine the Light contest is meant to celebrate – a community member who
quietly gives her time, energy and compassion to help others,” said Anna See, Communications
Coordinator/Executive Assistant of Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative. “We are proud to have a CVEC member
recognized among this year’s winners, and we are especially pleased that Monroe County Helping Hands will receive
this $3,000 donation in Belinda’s honor.”
The Shine the Light contest was created to recognize volunteers across Iowa who are making a difference in their
communities. During June, members and employees of Iowa’s locally owned electric cooperatives were invited to
nominate someone who goes above and beyond to help others.
This year, 83 nominations were submitted from across Iowa, highlighting the contributions of volunteers in
communities throughout the state. Three winners were selected and are featured in the September issue of Iowa
Electric Cooperative Living magazine and on the Shine the Light contest website.
Belinda’s recognition is a wonderful reminder that some of the biggest impacts in our communities come from
people who simply choose to give their time, care about their neighbors and lend a helping hand. CVEC is honored to
celebrate Belinda and the difference she continues to make through her service to Monroe County Helping Hands.
Video interviews with the 2026 Shine the Light winners are available at www.IowaShineTheLight.com/past-winners.
The Shine the Light contest is sponsored by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa and administered by the
Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
