Operation RoundUp distributes more than $20,000 to local nonprofits

At its Jan. 19 quarterly meeting, Roanoke Electric Co-op’s Care Trust Board designated $20,866.96 in financial assistance for local non-profits as part of its Operation RoundUp program.

Patrice Jordan (left) and Paul Nowell (right), Emergency Medical Services Director.

The funding was allocated to the following organizations: 

  • Gaston Volunteer Fire Department (Gaston): Awarded $5,000 to replace outdated gas-powered rescue tools with electric "jaws of life" equipment frequently used in auto accidents.
  • Northampton Memorial Library (Jackson): Awarded $4,809.96 to enhance the teen/young adult section with new chairs, a charging station for electronics, and an LCD projector. 
  • Perrytown Volunteer Fire Department (Colerain): Awarded $4,057 to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator - a machine used to treat cardiac arrest. 
  • Rich Square Fire and Rescue Inc. (Rich Square): Awarded $5,000 to purchase a set of rescue airbags used to lift objects/vehicles during emergencies.
  • Daughters of Zion Restoration Inc. (Gatesville): Awarded $3,000 to assist ten homeless, single mothers, and pregnant women with temporary emergency housing, gas vouchers, food, laundry, and toiletries.  

Through the Operation RoundUp program, member-owners voluntarily round up their electric bills to the next highest dollar each month so the extra funds can support charitable initiatives in the community. The donations from the program are made available quarterly to non-profit organizations with 501(c)3 or IRS designated non-profit status in the co-op’s service territory. 

Applications for the next funding opportunity must be submitted by 5 p.m., Jun. 28, 2022.

“For years, this has proven to be a great opportunity for local non-profits, and we encourage these organizations to apply,” said Patrice Jordan, the co-op’s coordinator of community relations and engagement. “Organizations that have been awarded RoundUp grants in the past range from arts groups to fire departments to tutoring centers.”

For more information on how to apply, visit www.roanokeelectric.com/roundup