During the 2020 storm season, Jennifer Blakeney, the owner of J&B LineStuff, began collecting donations for linemen goodie bags in her living room. She then started emailing companies in the utility industry for any extra swag or hard hat stickers.
"I had an amazing response," she says. "I made bags and hand-delivered them at first. They started out for Texas and Louisiana storm crews, and now they are for line crew appreciation goodie bags.
Blakeney says the project quickly took on a life of its own.
"The crews loved them and ask for them all the time," she says. "I never thought I would still be doing this, but I will as long as I have something to put in the bags. I've had amazing support from everyone, and I feel very lucky and blessed."
She says she has met an amazing group of people--from the suppliers in the industry to the linemen on the ground.
"They make the guys happy, and it makes me feel good to see the smiles on their faces," she says. "These bags let them know that everyone from different parts of the industry thanks them."
If you would like to donate to the goodie bags, please email Jennifer Blakeney for more details.