An annual holiday tradition for NECA contractor Guarantee Electrical is a majestic beacon of hope in downtown St. Louis – The Salvation Army Tree of Lights. "For nearly 20 years, I’ve helped bring the Salvation Army Tree of Lights to life in Downtown St. Louis,” said Guarantee Project Manager Todd Van Buren. “There’s nothing quite like being out there late on a Friday night, crawling out from inside the tree after resetting GFCI breakers—with my Santa hat on and my white beard—only to hear someone say, ‘Look, Santa Claus is coming out of the tree!’ Moments like that make all the hard work worth it.” 

Meanwhile just a short distance away, a bright and festive glow around the iconic Anheuser-Busch Brewery downtown is creating holiday magic thanks to NECA contractor PayneCrest Electric. Months of planning and more than a million lights created a dazzling display for the season.

And IBEW Local 1 is brightening the holidays in several ways. On Dec. 13the, the IBEW Local 1 Women’s Committee hosted “Donuts with Santa,” collecting shelters items and donations for Haven of Grace while also supporting the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus’ annual coat drive. About a week later, the IBEW Local 1’s Veteran’s Committee held a food drive to support H.E.R.O.E.S. Care, which helps veterans in need.