Direct Energy, one of America's largest energy and services providers, has logged more than 12,844 volunteer hours by 2,976 of its employees.

The company originally set a goal of hitting 10,000 volunteer hours, but the goal was surpassed largely due to Hurricane Harvey when 618 Houston employees volunteered over 2,330 hours in support of their local communities.

Direct Energy employees also donated 1,430 hours to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), a charity partner.

595 employees volunteered and participated in 55 activities supporting the needs of six CMN Hospitals across the country, including 306 employees who volunteered 587 hours and participated in 31 activities benefiting Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.

"This is a fantastic goal to meet as a company, and for the communities we serve across North America," said Jim Steffes, Direct Energy's executive vice president of Corporate Affairs.

"Direct Energy is proud to be a company that gives back. These volunteer hours reflect our customer approach: to make a difference in people's lives," he said.