BYRON — The communities where Exelon Generation employees live and work in Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland will receive more than $4.3 million to support critical needs, thanks to annual giving campaign contributions from employees and the Exelon Foundation, a press release said.

Workers at the fleet’s 12 nuclear power plants and fellow corporate employees pledged nearly $2.9 million to more than 2,200 different charities in their surrounding communities this year. And for every dollar employees pledged, the Exelon Foundation donated 50 cents to their local United Way, bringing the total donation to more than $4.3 million.

Locally at Byron Generating Station, nuclear power plant employees pledged more than $143,000 to 138 charities during this year’s employee giving campaign. Organizations supported include veterans’ groups like Darkhorse Lodge, Carpenter’s Place and Veterans Drop-in Center, youth groups like Scout organizations and school groups, multiple United Way agencies, and “many, many more,” the press release said.

“One in every two people in Ogle County depends on United Way funded services. Those services wouldn’t be available without the generous support of Exelon and its employees,” Alan Jones, Ogle County director of the United Way of Rock River Valley, said. “Their contributions provide long-term solutions to community issues, changing lives and providing hope in Ogle County.”

The donations will be distributed throughout 2022.

“Our employees believe strongly in giving back to the communities in which they live and work. Their generous donations help provide resources for area charities that serve families in need and continue to make a difference for many who have been affected by the pandemic and other economic stresses,” Dave Rhoades, Exelon Generation chief nuclear officer, said.

Exelon Generation employees have a long-standing tradition of supporting their communities, not just with their dollars, but also with their time, the release said. While the pandemic has limited several in-person opportunities, many nuclear power plant employees participated in virtual events. At Byron Station, employees have volunteered over 560 hours so far this year with local organizations, the release said. Through Nov. 30, Exelon employees had volunteered more than 24,000 hours with charitable organizations in their communities. That’s equal to more than two-and-a-half years’ time. Projects included virtual walks, food drives, and virtual fundraising events, among many others.