Operation Round Up grants help organizations meet equipment needs

October 2011

The equipment needs of several local organizations were addressed when the ECE Operation Round Up Trust Board met October 25.

 

More than $19,000 was distributed this quarter, the grants made possible by ECE members who choose to contribute to the ORU Trust by having their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next dollar.

For less than $1 per month, members assist with projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in local communities. Each member's maximum annual contribution is $11.88.

Receiving Operation Round Up grants in the fall cycle were: 

• Braham Fire Department: $800 to purchase a front-load clothes washer so the firefighters' turnout gear can be cleaned regularly, extending the life of the gear.

• Catholic Charities (St. Cloud): $4,500 to assist with the purchase of a double convection oven for the Mora Senior Dining Services site, which prepares and serves meals for five area dining sites and for Meals on Wheels.

• Kanabec History Center (Mora): $1,000 to assist with the publishing costs of a book that preserves and honors the history of the small family farm through photographs of barns in Kanabec County.

• Rush City Aquatic/Recreational Center: $3,700 to assit with the purchase of equipment for the community swimming pool.

• Serenity Manor (Mora): $1,468 to purchase a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® clothes washer and dryer for the Manor.

• City of Harris Park and Recreation: $852 to replace the children's climbing pole at the Schoolhouse Park Playground with a safe piece of equipment.

• Harvest Christian School (Sandstone): $2,250 to help purchase two computers and software for the preschool and kindergarten Building Blocks for Education program.

• Northeast Minnesota Area Health Education Center (Hibbing): $1,500 toward the purchase of books, videos and hands-on activities that focus on health career educational opportunities for youth in counties served by ECE.

• Ogilvie Youth Basketball Association: $1,250 to purchase new basketballs for the community program.

• Rhine Lake Retreat (Finlayson): $2,050 for landscaping materials and parking lot fill to improve access to the recreational facility.

For an average donation of about $6 per year, you can join your fellow ECE members in these important community activities. If you who would like to join the Operation Round Up program, you can sign up by calling 1-800-254-7944 or checking the box at the bottom of your ECE statement. Non-profit organizations which serve ECE members may contact Julie Johnson, 763-689-8046, if they are interested in applying for an Operation Round Up grant.