Electric cooperatives hard hit by Hurricane Katrina are getting some much needed assistance from their northern counterparts.

Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services, its board members and employees have donated more than $2,100 to the electric cooperative associations of Louisiana and Mississippi to help meet some immediate needs of their cooperative employees and members as they struggle to rebuild their lives and their livelihoods in the area devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

&uot;We cannot imagine the scope of devastation and rebuilding needs of the affected area,&uot; said Tim Thompson, FMCS President and CEO.

&uot;One of our basic cornerstones as a Touchstone Energy Cooperative is commitment to community.

Assisting in this effort upholds that very important commitment.&uot;

The statewide association of Louisiana cooperatives has contacted Minnesota electric cooperatives asked they be prepared to send personnel and equipment as southern copperatives work to restore electrical service to the region.

&uot;We expect a call soon,&uot; said Thompson. FMCS plans to respond with two journeymen linemen and a bucket truck. The two linemen will be joined by other electric cooperative crews from across Minnesota and dispatched to assist in the rebuilding of Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative, located just north of New Orleans.