For the past few weeks, going to work for Walley Breiner has been anything but the average day on the job.

Breiner, a PPL Electric Utilities worker and Nesquehoning resident, has been investing time with fellow workers to restore power to Puerto Rico following the damage done by Hurricane Maria in late September.

Despite the heavy damage that he sees every day, Breiner is inspired by the people of Puerto Rico.

“The devastation is really bad but the people have been great and that makes up for the devastation,” Breiner said. “People have been out of power for five months, and they offer us food. It’s amazing.”

PPL crews have been working in the Caguas region of Puerto Rico, south of San Juan in the Central Mountain Region of the island, from sunrise to sunset, according to Regional Affairs Director Tracie Witter.

“We have 37 members of PPL down here right now,” Witter, who is also in Puerto Rico, said. “They’re making great progress, and they’ve restored power to about 1,000 houses, schools, churches and businesses.”

PPL workers and support personnel arrived on the island on Jan. 25. Bucket trucks and other vehicles were sent on barges that departed from Norfolk, Virginia, and Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The company, one of 18 investor-owned utilities from the mainland U.S. to contribute to the restoration effort coordinated through trade group Edison Electric Institute, will be sending a new group in to continue the mission once the current crew heads out next week.

And the giving nature of PPL employees isn’t limited to utility repairs. On Valentine’s Day, PPL workers even helped the Salvation Army distribute supplies to residents.

Pennsylvania PPL employees donated more than $10,000 for the Salvation Army’s work in Caguas.

The benevolent spirit of PPL employees just like Breiner is exactly what’s needed in Puerto Rico at the moment.

Though plenty of work lays ahead, there are those like Breiner ready to answer the call.

“Wally is very conscientious, hardworking and committed,” she said.

“He is very passionate with his work, and he has really connected with the people of Puerto Rico. He’s an all-star.”

And even with the extensive hours and difficult work, Breiner still manages to find a something that brings a smile to his face.

“The best memory for me was putting the power back on at a school and hearing the kids at the school cheering,” he said.