Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round Up awarded $28,605 to 28 nonprofits serving our community, including $6,000 to four programs that provide food for local families and schoolchildren. Fall and winter grants were awarded January 6 by the Operation Round Up board.
“We know charitable donations are vital for many of our local nonprofits right now. We’re grateful we can do our part to help during this time of uncertainty and as the need is high for many community services and families,” said Joan O’Fallon, communications director, Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative.
Funding for Operation Round Up is donated by members of Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative who round their monthly electric bill up to the next even dollar amount. Grant recipients are selected quarterly by a committee of co-op members, with financial donations awarded to nonprofit organizations that improve our local quality of life.
“Polk-Burnett is pleased to support our community through Operation Round Up, and we thank our members for their participation and generosity. Operation Round Up aligns with our co-op values and enables us to power our community with more than electricity,” said Polk-Burnett General Manager Steve Stroshane. “Together, we are making a difference.”
Grant recipients are:
1. Siren-Webster Rotary Club, $1,000, AEDs for Burnett County Sheriff’s Dept.
2. Sterling, Eureka and Laketown Historical Society, $1,000, LED lighting at Cushing Community Center
3. Burnett County Development Association, $1,000, Jordan Buck statue in Danbury
4. Caring Hearts Thrift Shop & Food Shelf, Webster, $1,500, food shelf expenses
5. Polk County Department of Children & Families, $1,000, gas cards for families
6. Philadelphia Community Farm, $1,000, youth education programs
7. WPCA Radio, $1,000, studio equipment and repairs
8. STAR Education Foundation, $1,500, food backpack program for St. Croix Falls students
9. Golden Age Manor, $1,000, bedspreads for resident rooms
10. Webster Senior Citizens, $1,000, air conditioner for center
11. Literacy Matters Foundation, $1,000, K-3 literacy program at Unity School
12. Osceola Main Street, $1,000, new banners to promote local business and community
13. Clear Lake Community Center, $1,000, shelves for Old School Thrift Shop
14. Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County, $1,500, recruit, screen, match and retain volunteers
15. Grow SCV, $1,000, splash pad
16. Luck Tech Ed, $655, replace wooden lathe and jigsaws
17. St. Croix Falls Autumn Festival, $250, community event
18. Salvation Army, Polk County, $1,500, food backpack program for Polk County schools
19. Salvation Army, Burnett County, $1,500, food backpack program for Burnett County schools
20. St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, $1,000, online financial education for homeowners
21. Unity School District, $1,000, pre-K through 12 social emotional learning activities
22. Endeavors Adult Development, $1,000, program expenses
23. Polk County Information Center, $1,000, new website
24. Clayton Parks & Recreation, $1,000, playground equipment, landscaping and lake improvements
25. Clear Lake Public Library, $1,000, large print books
26. Family Resource Center of St. Croix Valley, $1,000, help for families in program
27. Polk County Home & Community Education, $1,000, books for kids in Head Start
28. Frederic Community Education, $200, technology to offer online learning
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for a grant or co-op members who’d like to round their bill up in support of Operation Round Up may contact 800-421-0283 or see our Operation Round Up webpage. The next application deadline is March 1.
