Thanks to the generosity of Stearns Electric Association members, the Stearns Electric Trust Board recently awarded $28,200 in Operation Round Up(R) grants to 75 area organizations. Since its inception in 1993, the program has awarded more than $650,000 to local charitable organizations and community projects. Money for the program is collected from Stearns Electric members, who allow their monthly electric bills to be rounded up to the next highest dollar. Nearly 70 percent of the co-op’s customers participate in the charitable program, and in 2003 individual donations averaged $4.62. Donated money is placed in a special trust fund. Participation in Operation Round Up(R) is strictly voluntary. Members who choose not to take part may withdraw by simply notifying the cooperative of their decision at any point. The office number is (320) 259-6601 or (800) 448-1737. Through this charitable giving program, the following organizations in the Kimball area received grants in March. Fire departments Watkins Community Fire Department ($500). Health groups Friendship Ventures ($500), Stearns East Relay for Life ($100). Sports and recreation Pearl Lake Recreation Club ($250), St. Augusta Legion Baseball ($250). Food shelves Kimball was one of 17 food shelves in Stearns County to receive $500 for emergency food supplies. The Stearns Electric Association Trust Board, a group of citizens who operate independently of the cooperative, administer the trust fund. They evaluate requests and decide how to distribute the funds. Operation Round Up(R) is an ongoing program. Funds will continue to be collected and donated to qualifying worthwhile organizations and projects. The deadline for the next round of funding is June 21, 2004. Application forms are available by calling Stearns Electric at (320) 259-6601 or (800) 448-1737, or they can be downloaded at
Operation Round Up(R) awards grants
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