Oyster Creek Workers Set New Record for United Way Donations

Employees of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Lacey Township have always dug deeply into their pockets to support the United Way of Ocean County. This year, it's deeper than ever.

The workers collected $301,000, their largest-ever one-year amount for the charitable group.

The donation helps support services including child care, youth programs, disaster recovery, disease prevention, assistance to the disabled, counseling, senior services, emergency aid, and many other programs.

It hasn't been a cakewalk for plant employees - many of whom face the same overwhelming costs of Superstorm recovery as the rest of the shore survivors. Uncertainty over the generating station's future adds to the anxiety, as the targeted 2019 closure date nears.

Still, 110 workers contributed more than $1,000 each, and 370 donated altogether, according to officials at the generating station.

"Despite all of the environmental factors going on around them, the employees of the Exelon Oyster Creek Generating Station came through with flying colors for their Ocean County neighbors most in need,” said Linda Gyimoty, Executive Director, United Way of Ocean County, in a prepared statement.

Oyster Creek's Site Vice President Garey L. Stathes remarked that the workers have always maintained "unwavering commitment" to the community in which they serve and live. “We are very proud to support the United Way of Ocean County and the agencies that it serves.”