It’s spare change that makes a big difference. Thanks to our participating members for allowing their bills to be rounded-up each month to the nearest dollar with our Operation Round Up program. Since the beginning of the program in January 2002, over $746,000 has been given back to our community. The money has been used by organizations who serve all sectors of our community – youth, seniors, young families, and everyone in-between.
The fourth quarter distribution of Operation Round Up funding totaled $12,000 and included:
LaGrange First Church of God – Night to Shine, which was awarded $3,000. Night to Shine is a prom for people with special needs 14 and older and is sponsored in part by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The funds will be used to help pay for the catered meal for all the guests.
LaGrange County Council on Aging, which received $2,500 that will go towards the support of its Senior Transportation Program. This program provides essential transportation for residents in LaGrange County who are 60 years of age and older, ensuring they can access medical appointments, grocery stores, community events, and other vital services.
Community Harvest Food Bank, which received $1,500. This money will be used for the Farm Wagon in LaGrange County. This contribution will aid in providing 7,895 pounds of food to households in need.
LaGrange Communities Youth Centers, Inc., which was awarded $2,500 to construct Curtis Park, which will include a dog park, pickleball, and four to six shuffleboard courts. The funds will also help in support of a sculpture park, picnic areas, water and sewer lines, all at Curtis Park.
LaGrange County Community Foundation, which received $2,500. The funds will be used to help construct Hawpatch Trail, a 17-mile multi-use trail that will connect the communities of Wolcottville, Topeka and Millersburg, following the former Wabash Railroad Corridor. The $2,500 grant will also be matched by the Lilly Endowment. Once complete, the trail is anticipated to have over 116,000 users annually.
For local, nonprofit organizations who are seeking funding for a project, please fill out and return an application to the LaGrange County REMC office by Friday. Jan. 2, to be considered for the next round of Operation Round Up disbursements. Applications can be downloaded from the REMC website, lagrangeremc.com.
