What is Operation Round Up?

Operation Round Up® was originally started at Palmetto Electric Cooperative in Hilton Head, S.C. It was designed to gather voluntary contributions from members to assist people or organizations in the communities served by the cooperative. Operation Round Up, is an innovative community service fundraising program, that offers you an opportunity to help fund worthwhile projects in our community.

The program is just what its name implies. Each month, the LaGrange County REMC will simply "round up" the electric bills of participating members to the next highest dollar. For example, a member’s monthly bill of $55.28 would automatically be rounded up to $56.00, with the additional 72 cents going to the Operation Round Up® fund. Donations are tax deductible and members will be sent a summary of their yearly contributions.

All donations from the program are to be placed in a separate account. The Operation Round Up® Committee is made up of individuals from the community who serve on a voluntary basis. The Operation Roundup committee comprised of three employees, three community members and one LaGrange County REMC director will receive and evaluate all requests for funds and recommend to the LaGrange County REMC Board of Directors how they will be distributed.

Through participation in this voluntary program, the average contribution per member will be approximately fifty cents a month, or six dollars per year. Small change to each participant perhaps, but working together the thousands of dollars the program generates will mean a big difference to the community.

If you have any further questions please visit our Operation Round Up FAQ section of the website by clicking here.

Operation Round Up Funds Dispersed for 4th Quarter of 2006

Over $132,000. has been given to worthwhile organizations through LaGrange County REMC’s Operation Round Up program since its inception in 2002.  This fund is made possible thru our members allowing us to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar.  The few cents that we receive from participating members each month, add up quickly, and makes it possible to provide assistance to many different civic organizations who serve our community.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, funds totaling $10,690. were awarded to the following organizations;  Historical Society, Elijah Haven, Mentor Moms, Howe Volunteer Fire Department, Wolcottville Police Department, LaGrange County Council On Aging.

Four times a year, board members consisting of employees, directors, and community representatives, meet to go over applications and determine how the funds will be dispersed to best meet the needs in our community.  All civic organizations are invited to apply for funding.  Applications are available at our office at 206 S Detroit, online at www.LaGrangeremc.com, or call 260-463-7165 and we will be happy to send you an application.  The deadline for submission for the 1st quarter of 2007 is January 1, 2007.

A big thank you to all of our members who participate in Operation Round Up®.  It is evident by the organizations receiving funding, that ‘small change can change lives’!

	$1,190. was awarded to the Howe Volunteer Fire Department.  The funds will be used to purchase 2 Stearns ICE rescue suits.  Receiving the check on behalf of the fire department are Larry Grubb and Richard Piper.  Operation Round Up members present are Julie Miller, Jeff Brill, and Sherryl Rhinesmith.
	Ronald L Fennell, Jr, Marshal of the Wolcottville Police Department received $1,500.  to help the department realize their dream of having a K-9 join their forces.  The dog will assist officers in controlling the drug problem that exists in our county.  Operation Round Up members present are Lee McNall, Julie Miller, and Jeff Brill.
	Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center received $1,500.  to benefit their Safe Haven program.  The funding will allow them to continue the 24 hour hotline service for victims of domestic violence.  Accepting the check on their behalf is Administrative Assistant, Denise Heller.  Operation Round Up members present are Julie Miller, Jeff Brill, and Lee McNall.
	LaGrange County Council on Aging was awarded $2,500. to help support their transportation services.  More than 1000 elderly depend on the service as it is their only form of transportation to medical facilities, grocery and drug stores.  Receiving the check are James Norris, Pres., Susan Medlin, Exec. Director, and board members, Bill Cunningham and Norma Miller.  Operation Round Up members present are Lee McNall and Jeff Brill
	Receiving the $2,000 check for LaGrange County Mentor Moms is Theresa Clark, Pres. and Jama Keaffaber, Coordinator.  The money will help fund the production of a video that will be used to bring awareness of the program to young mothers, recruit new mentors and to raise funds from potential donors.  Representatives of Operation Round Up are Julie Miller, Sherryl Rhinesmith, and Jeff Brill.
	The Historical Society was awarded $2,000. for operating expenses.  There is a wealth of LaGrange County history that is stored at the Machan House Museum in LaGrange.  The society will continue to research, compile and preserve our history.  Accepting the check on behalf of the Historical Society are Charlotte Edsall, Secretary and Ezra Miller President.  Operation Round Up board members presenting the check are Lee McNall, Julie Miller, and Jeff Brill.

We are thankful for the people in LaGrange County who are willing to serve others.  LaGrange County REMC thru Operation Round Up and our members is honored to be able to provide money for the different organizations and make LaGrange County a better place to live. 

If you are among those who are providing a service to the people of our community and you are in need of funds, we encourage you to apply.  Applications can be picked up at our office at 206 S Detroit, LaGrange or downloaded from our website, www.lagrangeremc.com.   To be considered for funding for the next quarter, applications are due in our office by October 1, 2006.  Many things are considered when deciding how much money to disperse to different organizations.  One of the most important factors is the number of people who will benefit from the service provided.

If you would like more information, please contact Julie Miller or Sherryl Rhinesmith at the LaGrange County REMC office, 260-463-7165.

Click Here to view or save the Operation Roundup application and Cover Page in Word Format.