Runnin' WJ Ranch turns to green energy in hopes of saving some green: Anonymous gift allows ranch to buy solar panels for main building, but help needed to complete project

Runnin' WJ Ranch is going green thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor.

The organization, which has therapeutic riding programs for physically and mentally challenged children, received an $89,000 grant to purchase solar panels for the roof of its main building.

"This will do away with our electric bill for 25 or 30 years," said Sam Clem, who estimates a savings of $750,000 over the life of the solar panels, or about $25,000 a year.

"That $25,000 is 25 more students we can provide scholarships to, so it's huge for us," Clem said. "I kept looking at utility bills, trying to save money and solar energy has always intrigued me. It's clean, and it's helping the environment."

Runnin' WJ needs to raise $100,000 to complete the project. Clem estimates they'll begin construction in March or April and plans to have the panels installed in late May after the program ends for the year.

"Any businesses or electrictions who want to donate electrical work or labor are needed. If people have a sky lift we can get on roof with or anybody in the community has equipment for working on top of a building, we could use that. We invite Sunday school classes or churches to volunteer," he said.

For more information about volunteering, call Clem at 903-838-3223.

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