Consumers Energy powers the community through intern program

It’s no secret Consumers Energy has been powering Jackson through the hottest month of the year, but some of its most vital energy sources might be a surprise.

Frosting, sprinkles and hot fudge, to name a few.

The sweet favorites were staples Monday evening at a dessert and movie gathering hosted by Consumers interns at the Jackson Interfaith Shelter as part of the company’s Summer Intern Challenge.

Adults enjoyed ice cream sundaes and popcorn, while kids indulged in a “create your own cupcake” station. The grown-ups and teenagers watched “The Blind Side,” and youngsters viewed “Tangled.”

“The people are nice, and just being able to put what I want on my cupcake is my favorite thing,” said 8-year-old Malina Triplett of Jackson, who was showing off her creation with her twin sister, Malia.

For the fifth straight summer, a majority of Consumers’ interns are using July to give back to the community by partnering with organizations such as the Salvation Army, American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.

“A big part of Consumers Energy is we’re a very giving culture, so having interns participate and be able to be a part of that gives them a real valuable experience of what it would be like to be part of our company on a full-time basis,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, the company’s director of corporate giving.

She said 14 teams of volunteers are doing everything from hosting book drives to repairing houses.
Jackson High School graduate Suzanne McCloskey, a graphic design intern, said it is rewarding to donate time to the community where she grew up.

“I’ve worked in the Interfaith Shelter … and I just thought it would be beneficial to help out,” the 26-year-old Baker College student said. “I know it’s been a tough year.”

Her team of seven interns provided the shelter with more than tasty food. They are finishing a toiletries drive at Consumers, partnered with local businesses to offer massages and manicures Monday and are helping the shelter establish its identity online.

“We helped create a Facebook page, and my teammates are putting PayPal on there so the shelter will now be able to accept online donations,” McCloskey said.
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As published in the Jackson Citizen Patriot on July 26, 2011