Applications due May 30
For four years now, Big Country Electric Cooperative (BCEC) members’ Operation Round Up change contributions have helped families and service organizations locally.
Since 2015, the Operation Round Up program has contributed more than $240,000 to local communities through organizations who provide charitable and educational services, as well as families with demonstrated financial need.
Operation Round Up is supported by BCEC members whose electric bills are “Rounded Up” to the nearest dollar.
The “Round Up” amount goes into the Operation Round Up fund for distribution in counties served by the co-op – Borden, Fisher, Garza, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Mitchell, Nolan, Scurry, Shackelford, Stonewall, and Throckmorton.
“Every penny stays in our local counties, benefiting folks right here at home,” said co-op manager Sarah McLen.
Any local organization or program that serves needs in the communities can apply for help. Food needs and food banks, family shelters, medical and health needs, rescue organizations, educational projects, child care programs, and other special needs are just a few of the ways this fund helps organizations and families in local communities.
Various food banks and senior citizen centers, area volunteer fire departments, and a host of other community outreach programs have been recipients of these funds which extend the reach of helping hands in co-op communities.
Families and individuals with demonstrated financial need are also eligible for assistance.
Applications are reviewed by the trust’s board of directors, who volunteer their time.
At the March 2019 meeting of the Trust, the following organizations were awarded Operation Round Up grants: Scurry County EMS $2,000, Scurry County Ministerial Alliance Food Cupboard $3,000, Stonewall County Senior Citizens Center $3,000.
The Operation Round Up board meets quarterly to review applications, and the next application deadline is Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. to be considered at the June meeting.
To download an application, please visit bigcountry.coop and click on Service Beyond Electricity. Contact McLen at 325-776-3803 or at smclen@bigcountry.coop with any questions.
