For six 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 $350,000 to our local communities through organizations who provide charitable and educational services, as well as to 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 the counties we serve: 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.
Who can apply for help? Any local organization or program that serves needs in our communities. Food needs and food banks, family shelters, medical and health needs, rescue organizations, educational projects, childcare programs and other special needs are just a few of the ways this fund helps organizations and families in our 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 our communities. Families and individuals with demonstrated financial need are also eligible for assistance.
Applications are reviewed by the trust’s board of directors – your peers and neighbors, who volunteer their time, hearts and consideration to making decisions that will positively impact lives in our communities. At the June 2021 meeting of the Trust, the following organizations were awarded Operation Round Up grants:
• Scurry County Ministerial Alliance $2,500
• Senior Nutrition Activities Program (SNAP),
Sweetwater $2,500
• Sweetwater House of Peace
(The S.H.O.P.) $2,500
The Operation Round Up board meets quarterly to review applications. The next application deadline is Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. to be considered in September. To download an application, please visit bigcountry.coop and click on Service Beyond Electricity. Please contact Sarah McLen at (325) 776-3803 or at smclen@bigcountry.coop with any questions.
Big Country Electric Cooperative is proud to offer this program to share the cooperative spirit with our communities!
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