In the fourth quarter of 2025, the Carroll White REMC Operation Round Up Board of Trustees awarded $8,900 to 11 nonprofit entities within its service territory, in 2025, Operation Round Up distributed $44,850, Since its inception, Carroll White REMC’s Operation Round Up program has donated $1,078,199 to the communities we serve, Operation Round Up is one of our cooperative’s shining hallmarks!
FUEL MINISTRY AT BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH
Bethel Bible Church’s FUEL ministry in Winamac received this quarter’s largest grant of $2,000, Grant writer, Kelly Hines, wrote. “This program is for Eastern Pulaski Elementary School children who may not have access to reliable food, We also provide food for students in need in all grades K-12 before long school breaks.”
“Volunteers donate time each week to pack and deliver food bags at the school.” explained Hines, “We also receive monetary and food donations from individuals and businesses, in the 2024-2025 school year, we served over 60 families.”
THE FAITHFUL FRIENDS OF CARROLL MANOR, INC.
The Faithful Friends of Carroll Manor, inc, received $1,500 to assist with their LED Lighting Conversion Project, Grant writer, Teresa Butcher, said, “Our main goal is to convert to efficient lighting and reduce electric bills, Secondly, this project will provide better illumination and visibility for residents, families, staff, and visitors to Carroll Manor.”
Carroll Manor is an independent residential facility located in a historic building outside of Delphi, This care setting provides an intermediate level of care for its residents who cannot live safely independently but do not require more intensive, around-the-clock skilled nursing services.
THE NORTH WHITE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The North White Music Department received $1,000 in grant funds to support a music class that utilizes audio and video to create a North White NEWS class, “We are in desperate need of a video camera that is safe, affordable, and can do the job.” said grant writer Jacob Hoover.
“The NEWS channel will give biweekly updates on sports, weather, news, entertainment, interviews, and more for the school and community.” said Hoover. “With a new camera, footage can be quickly and easily shared between students in the class.”
CARROLL COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
The Carroll County Council on Aging, Inc. received $1,000 in Operation Round Up funds to support its mission of assisting senior citizens in Carroll County. “Our agency started in 1974 as a senior center and meal site.” said Ashley Wilson, grant writer.
“Over the years, the agency has become a county-wide agency that offers transportation, recreational, and homemaking services to the elderly and handicapped.” stated Wilson. “We transport to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and banks, as well as any other type of appointment that may assist the client in living independently in their home.”
“One of our programs we offer is Thursday Luncheons. We used to provide a home-cooked meal weekly on Thursdays.” continued Wilson, who explained that the program faltered, but now volunteers intend to revamp it. “Our seniors in the community really look forward to this meal. It’s a day that they can all come together and enjoy a home-cooked meal and spend time with friends.”
CARROLL COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER
The Carroll County Community Center in Flora received $750 to assist with the upgrading of lighting fixtures in their facility. Grant writer, Julie Watkins, said, “We currently have most of our building being lit by old fluorescent bulbs. All our light fixtures should have LED bulbs. They will be more efficient and use less energy. Our goal is to reduce our electricity bill.”
“We are a non-profit community center providing the county and surrounding counties a place for exercise, childcare, fitness classes, and use of a full gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, or other group gatherings.” explained Watkins. “We served 850 members in the past year.”
CARROLL COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District received $650 in grant money to support its program, which aims to provide Carroll County second-grade students with a day of learning about the earth and the environment.
“The activities tie into the science curriculum from the State of Indiana.” said grant writer, Rhonda Ranae Hicks. “The students enjoy this Earth Day celebration and can practice what they learn at home and share with their families the importance of environmental stewardship. We plan to provide trees for each participant at Earth Fair in 2026, which they can then plant at home with their families.”
“We also present a program at the end of the day from ‘Hoots to Howls, ’” said Hicks. “Kim Hoover, wildlife rehabilitator from Star City, Indiana, will present a live wildlife program enhancing the wildlife experience for parents, teachers, and students during the day. She demonstrates and discusses wildlife conservation and enhancement in Carroll County.”
DELPHI COMMUNITY MIDDLE SCHOOL
A $600 Operation Round Up grant was awarded to Delphi Community Middle School to help cover the cost of parts for the Skutt Kiln located at the school. Grant writer, Angela Vinson, said, “We need new parts for our Skutt Kiln in the middle school.”
“Over the past two years, we have managed to use the kiln in its current state, and the last few firings this past spring pulled an error code on the machine.” wrote Vinson. “The code indicates that the elements are struggling to keep the kiln running to get to the mature ring temperature. It’s a very old kiln, but kilns can last forever if the parts are changed and maintained.”
“Last year we did lots of new projects, and at the end of the semester I asked the students to fill out a survey of what their favorite project was, and overwhelmingly the students chose clay and glass. I have a BFA in Ceramics and can bring lots of 3D lessons with clay into the classroom.”
WOLCOTT MAIN STREET
Wolcott Main Street received $400 for their Wolcott Warm Welcome initiative, designed to greet new residents with thoughtfully assembled welcome baskets that introduce them to the services, businesses, and spirit of the Wolcott community.
“Wolcott Main Street organization is dedicated to strengthening our town through meaningful community engagement.” said Marilyn Maxwell, grant writer. “Now in its second year, the Wolcott Warm Welcome initiative is designed to greet new residents. In partnership with local small businesses, each basket includes information highlighting what our local shops have to offer. This initiative encourages new community members to shop locally, build relationships, and feel connected from the start.”
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Junior Achievement (JA) received a $500 grant to assist in hosting a JA in a Day event at Carroll County Elementary, featuring three classes of third graders. Grant writer.
Kristina Arguelles, said, “Volunteers are scheduled to come into the classrooms and teach the students our JA curriculum, which is JA Our City.”
“Students explore how a city works, focusing on economic roles, careers, innovation, and financial literacy.” said Arguelles. “The curriculum consists of five lessons that cover the following topics: community and cities, careers and work, money and banking, innovation and entrepreneurship, and decision-making and financial choices. There are hands-on activities, roleplaying, and discussions.”
WHITE COUNTY EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS
The White County Extension Homemakers received $300 to support their project, which aims to provide hygiene products to White County Schools. “It was brought to our attention from the four White County Schools that there is an urgent need for hygiene products.” said grant writer Marilyn Maxwell.
“We provide products such as toothpaste, combs and brushes, body wash, shampoo, feminine products, and deodorant.” said Maxwell. The Extension Homemakers’ Care program also provides needed clothing such as leggings and T-shirts. This program addresses a need that was previously unmet.
WEST CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AFTER PROM COMMITTEE
The West Central High School After Prom Committee received $200 to help provide a safe environment for West Central students following their annual prom. Grant writer, Jennifer Johns, said, “The West Central After Prom Committee is a dedicated group of parents who join each year with one common goal: to provide our students with a safe, meaningful, and memorable prom night experience. Our mission is to ensure that students can celebrate this important milestone in a supervised environment that is both fun and secure.”
For more information about Operation Round UP and grant applications, visit us at cwremc.coop.
