MONROE — To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS) has launched the 50 for 50 Golden Year of Giving initiative. In conjunction with its subsidiaries — TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions, Suttle-Straus and U.S. Cellular — the company will be giving $50,000 to charities across the country in 2019, based solely on employee recommendations.

One organization receiving the donation is the American Legion Zilmer-Riley Post 84. The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization, committed to promoting patriotism, sponsoring wholesome programs in its communities, and continuing its devotion to service members and veterans, among other activities. The organization was nominated by TDS employee Sarah Reister, a former Army Reserve member and current part of the American Legion. She grew up knowing the importance of honoring and respecting veterans. Reister’s father served in the Army, and is currently the commander of Post 84 located in Monroe, Wisconsin. Additionally, her uncles served in other military branches and her brother is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves.

This is one of the many charitable organizations that will receive support from Telephone and Data Systems. Through November, employees will have the opportunity to nominate, and then vote for charities selected. The two organizations that garner the most votes each month will receive $3,000 and $1,000, respectively. In December, employees will vote again and two of the 22 winning organizations will receive an additional $4,000 or $2,000.