ECE members help local groups provide food, mobility, dental care and more through Operation Round Up donations

October 2009

ECE members are helping seniors remain active, improving a community ball field, stocking a food distribution program, and providing dental care to children, all through their donations to the Operation Round Up® program.

Grants totaling $17,193 were awarded by the Operation Round Up Trust Board when it met October 27. The funds, which are distributed quarterly, come from the generous contributions of ECE members who agree to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next whole dollar. The average annual contribution through the round-up process is $6; the maximum annual contribution is $11.88.

Grant recipients for the fall cycle include:

Grandy Community Center, Inc., Grandy, MN: $2,000 to assist with the purchase of equipment and field maintenance items for the newly rebuilt Grandy Ball field.

Cambridge Surplus Food Distribution program, Cambridge, MN: $2,500 to assist with the purchase of food and transportation of food to the distribution site each month.

Elim Care and Rehab Center, Milaca, MN: $2,000 to assist with the costs of acquiring handicap-accessible equipment for a van the center is purchasing.

Foley Area C.A.R.E, Foley, MN: $1,475 to purchase materials for the Seniors Engaging in Active Lifestyles (SEALS) program.

Industries, Inc., Mora, MN: $2,000 to assist with the purchase of a used wheelchair-equipped vehicle to increase the transportation capacity of the agency, which serves clients with disabilities.

Just Kids Dental Health, Superior, WI: $5,218 to purchase computer equipment for the program, which provides mobile, on-site dental care to Superior School District children who don't have access to dental care.

Mora Crisis Pregnancy Center: $2,000 to assist with the purchase of baby equipment and diapers.

ECE members who would like to join the Operation Round Up program can sign up by calling 1-800-254-7944. Non-profit organizations which serve ECE members can contact Tina Lanhart, 763-691-2065, if they are interested in applying for an Operation Round Up grant.