Members’ donations help their communities

East Central Energy members provided $30,682 to help meet needs in their communities this summer through donations to their cooperative’s Operation Round Up® Trust.

Grants for 15 local projects were awarded when the trust board, comprised of East Central Energy members, met to review applications.

Money will be used to assist food and clothing distribution programs, fire and rescue operations, community arts, education projects and more.

Established in 1997, the trust is made possible by generous cooperative members who agree to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next dollar. With contributions ranging from one penny to 99 cents per month, participating members have a convenient way to share their treasure and pool their resources for the benefit of the greater community.

The maximum annual contribution is $11.88.

Receiving grants in the summer cycle were:

Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge, Minn., was awarded $1,800 to assist with the purchase of gas detection devices.

Cambridge Surplus Food Distribution received $3,000 to help with the cost of milk distribution.

Town of Superior Volunteer Fire and Rescue, was awarded $2,500 to assist with the purchase of tracks for their Rescue Ranger UTV.

Soup for the Soul, Mora, Minn., received $4,000 to help purchase a commercial walk-in refrigerator.

Rum River Health Services, Inc., Princeton, Minn., received $1,600 to use toward the purchase of an automated external defibrillator.

Cambridge-Isanti Early Childhood program, Isanti, Minn., was awarded $2,000 to help convert a courtyard to an outdoor classroom.

East Central Schools, Finlayson, Minn., received $2,737 to help purchase musical instruments for the East Central and Willow River school bands.

Vasaloppet USA, Mora, was awarded $2,000 toward events connected with the 40th anniversary of the Vasaloppet cross country ski race.

Mille Lacs County Operation Community Connect, Milaca, Minn., received $2,000 to assist with the purchase and distribution of outdoor winter clothing and diapers for families with children in need.

Haven Center, North Branch, Minn., was awarded $1,000 to use toward the purchase of an all-in-one copier, fax and scanner for the counseling center.

Kanabec Area Chamber Foundation, Mora, was awarded $2,000 to help the community theatre purchase an audio system.

Pine City Parks and Recreation, Pine City, Minn., received $2,000 to help with park improvements.

Rush City Community Appreciation Night Committee, Rush City, Minn., received $1,000 to purchase materials for the event.

Mora Crisis Pregnancy Center received $1,100 to assist with the purchase of cribs, mattresses, diapers, formula and other child care items.

Pearl Crisis Center, Milaca, received $1,945, to help purchase books, videos and supplies for the Safe Start program.

For an average donation of about $6 per year, cooperative members can help with these community activities. To join the Operation Round Up program, call (800) 254-7944 or check the participation box at the bottom of your bill.

Non-profit organizations serving ECE members may contact Julie Johnson, (763) 689-8046 to request an application for Operation Round Up grant consideration.

Tags: douglas county, news, business, money