Cuivre River Electric Cooperative invites the fifth-grade students of St. Charles, Warren, Lincoln and Pike counties to participate in its eighth annual CREC Safety Poster Contest.

The theme is "Electrical Safety in the Kitchen."

The contest will offer awards for fifth-grade students and their teachers. The first-place winner will receive a $100 gift card, second place a $75 gift card and third place a $50 gift card. Each fifth-grade teacher who submits 10 or more entries will receive a $25 classroom grant.

A panel of CREC employees will judge the posters. The winning posters will be exhibited in the CREC headquarters and featured on www.cuivre.com. Color copies will be distributed to businesses, schools and other organizations that cater to children.

The contest is a part of a continuing education program designed to inform students about electricity and electrical safety. Only fifth-graders, and their teachers, in the CREC service area are eligible to participate. Entries will become the property of CREC and will not be returned.

The deadline for participation is Dec. 16. For more information, visit www.cuivre.com or call Lonnie Tucker at 800-392-3709, ext. 230.