Operation Round Up grants aid organizations throughout ECE's territory
September 1, 2009

BRAHAM, MN- Recent East Central Energy (ECE) Operation Round Up® grants are providing much-needed support to charitable organizations that serve communities from the Superior, WI area to the St. Croix River Valley.

Made possible by the generous contributions of ECE members who agree to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next dollar, Operation Round Up has put more than $1 million back into local communities since the program began. The Operation Round Up Trust Board awarded grants totaling $12,247 when it met July 28 for the summer cycle.

 Grant recipients for the summer cycle include:

Isanti Human Rights Commission-$1,000 to purchase supplies for information booths in an effort to educate citizens on human rights issues.

Mille Lacs County Operation Community Connect-$2,000 to purchase food and personal care items needed by individuals and families attending the event.

Pine City Senior Singers-$1,000 to help purchase supplies and equipment used by the group to bring musical entertainment to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Sandstone Firemen’s Relief Association-$2,000 to assist with the purchase of the Jaws of Life SP310 Spreader, a tool that will enhance the department's vehicle extrication capabilities.

ARC Central MN-$650 to help purchase supplies, space and materials for resource fairs for families in ECE’s service territory who have children with special needs.

Isle Community Education Little League-$1,000 to assist with the purchase of baseball equipment for the program.

Roll With It-$850 to purchase a cross bow for the archery program. The organization provides sports training, competition and recreation for individuals with physical disabilities.

St. Croix Festival Theatre-$1,500 to assist with the purchase of production supplies and workshops needed to implement this season’s Youth and Family Theatre Arts project.  

Superior School Forest Program-$2,247 to assist with the purchase of materials needed to implement the Backpack to Nature project. The program will provide a free resource to help families explore and learn about the natural areas around Superior, WI.

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.