The FirstEnergy Foundation Brightens the Holidays with “Gifts of the Season” Grants for Two Ohio Nonprofits
Two Ohio organizations will receive $10,000 each to support food, shelter, and essential services, as part of a broader $100,000 nationwide initiative in 2025.
AKRON, Ohio – December 16, 2025 – This holiday season, the FirstEnergy Foundation spreads goodwill by awarding $20,000 in Gifts of the Season grants to two Ohio nonprofits that are making a meaningful difference in communities served by FirstEnergy Corp. electric utilities. In total, the program will allocate $100,000 to eight nonprofits across five states within FirstEnergy’s service area in 2025.
In line with a commitment to combat food and housing insecurity, the Foundation directed grants to Ohio groups addressing critical needs through programs that provide meals, shelter, and other vital services:
- Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley ($10,000): This funding backs initiatives delivering meals, shelter, and essential resources to people experiencing homelessness in the Youngstown area. Over the past year, the Rescue Mission has served more than 130,000 meals and provided overnight shelter to more than 1,000 individuals, including men, women, and children.
- Martin Luther King Kitchen for the Poor ($10,000): This grant supports hunger relief and nutritious meals for vulnerable Toledo residents. Based in Toledo’s central district, the MLK Kitchen serves more than 200 people daily, including students and seniors. In 2024, they distributed 36,500 meals and 3,000 food boxes to the south Toledo community.
Torrence Hinton, President of FirstEnergy’s Ohio operations, commented: “The holiday season can be especially challenging for families in need, and colder weather intensifies the strain. For neighbors without a warm bed or stable housing, Ohio’s harsh conditions make shelter a lifeline. We’re grateful for the outstanding work of our nonprofit partners, which will enable more people to access warm meals, safe shelter, and essential care.”
Celebrating a decade of impact and inclusion
Since 2016, the Gifts of the Season program has supported local nonprofits and community initiatives that foster connected, stronger neighborhoods. Now in its 10th year, the program continues to evolve to meet community needs, reflecting FirstEnergy’s dedication to inclusion and care. To date, the Foundation has awarded $1.2 million in grants through Gifts of the Season.
About the FirstEnergy Foundation
The FirstEnergy Foundation funds 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve customers in communities reached by FirstEnergy’s electric operating companies and nearby business areas. In 2025 alone, the Foundation has distributed more than $5.5 million in community support across its service footprint.
Note: The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. For information about grant opportunities or corporate sponsorships, visit the FirstEnergy Foundation webpage or contact the company’s Community Involvement team via email.
About FirstEnergy Corp.
FirstEnergy Corp. is committed to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies serve more than 6 million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate roughly 24,000 miles of lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy at the official website and on X (Twitter) @FirstEnergyCorp.
Media contact: Hannah Catlett, (440) 554-5346; Investor contact: Karen Sagot, (330) 761-4286
Last Modified: December 16, 2025
