2023 ORU Awards

ORU 2023 Allocations 

Generosity and giving are important aspects of the 7^th cooperative principle: Concern for Community. In 2023, participating members should feel great, knowing the impact of their generous actions.

The Operation Round-Up organization has been helping area organizations and communities for seven years. In that time, members who contribute by rounding up each month have assisted 109 organizations with $447,467 to make impacts on places and communities that we all call home. Funding for Operation Round-Up is donated by member-owners of FreeState Electric Cooperative who volunteer to round-up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar amount.

The FreeState Foundation Committee facilitates the program with the help of a volunteer member committee. Members on this committee meet to review and award grant monies quarterly.

The Volunteer Member Committee members are:

• MELINDA HARWOOD, McLouth
• MORGAN STARCHER (Murrfield Farms), McLouth
• DERON JOHNSON, Silver Lake
• CAROL MARPLE, Wakarusa

The committee allocations are made possible by the generosity of the members participating in the program. No matter how great or small the act, each time we give back, we strengthen our community. A few extra coins a month can quickly add up to a significant change for our local communities and volunteer-driven organizations across the FreeState service territory.

For more information or how to apply for funding visit: www.freestate.coop/ORU . Applications can be completed online. Application deadlines are March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each calendar year. Please notify our billing department if you would like to opt out (or in) of Operation Round Up by calling 800-794-1989.

Below are the allocations in 2023 equaling $47,800. These dollars provided 14 local organizations funding to carry out the cooperative principle Concern for Community across FreeState’s nine county service territory. We sincerely appreciate members who participate in this charitable giving program. We could not do what we do for our communities without you.

North Topeka Outreach -$1,500 
North Topeka Outreach provides emergency assistance to individuals and families who are facing financial crisis situations. These crises could lead to (worsening) health issues, eviction, or basic utilities being disconnected. These funds will will help members of the local community facing hardship.

Pawsitively Jefferson County- $1,000 
PJC reduces, stabilizes, and vaccinates feral cats through a partnership with K-State Vet Med. There is currently a waiting list of 450 cats. Additional funding will double the number of cats we can fix each month by taking the cats to the HHHS.

Catholic Charities of NEK -$5,000 
Funds distributed to the Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas will help support the Leavenworth Family Support Center.  

Dolly Parton Imagination Library - $2,500 
As the local affiliate, Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Douglas County pays approximately $1.10 per enrolled child. The allocated dollars will provide books for approximately two months of the program, or 4,545 books. 

Oskaloosa Rural Housing Development- $16,000
ORHD owns and operates three low-income, elderly apartment complexes in Oskaloosa. Madison and Rhodes Apartment bathing safety project that converts tub-style showers to walk-in showers to provide safe and accessible bathing facilities for residents. With safety as a priority, ORHD will use the funds for walk-in, slip-resistant, easy entry showers for 15 apartment units.

Capper Foundation- $4,000
Families with a child with a disability are generally financially challenged to meet all the expenses that arise for their child. Capper Foundation makes the Pediatric Scholarship Assistance Fund available to families so they are assured their child will not be denied therapy services. Funds will also help to cover the costs of replacing the two harnesses to ensure the child's safety using the therapy equipment. 

Leavenworth Co. Humane Society- $1,000
The project funding will go towards roofing outdoor kennel areas. Outdoor kennels are covered with tarps, and they are looking for a long-term solution.

Helping Hands Humane Society- $1000 
There are 140 kennels in the facility that need mesh metal toppers. Dogs that can climb are able to get out of the kennels. The original design of the facility did not include toppers. This funding would allow for the purchase and installation of toppers for a portion of the kennels.

Delaware Township Library- $300
The funding will go to the purchase of adjustable height tables and new folding chairs to be used by both children and adults. Currently, children stand on chairs to reach table height, which is unsafe.

Silver Lake USD 372 Education Foundation- $3,500
Silver Lake to provide students and adults with disabilities with job and life skills in an inclusive setting. Funds will go towards a student-led coffee shop in partnership with Dialogue Coffee and The Capper Foundation.

Dover Community Center- $7,500
Funding for Dover Community Center went towards a project to replace the existing flat roof over the gymnasium side of the building. The DCC Board of Directors chose to break the roofing project into 2 phases. Phase I is to install a gable roof to replace the current flat roof over the gymnasium/kitchen area.

Douglas County 4-H Foundation, Inc.- $2,000
K-State Research and Extension Douglas County in cooperation with the Douglas County 4-H Foundation will hold an event called Day on the Farm. Day on the Farm is provided to Douglas County 4th -grade classes and offers students an opportunity to learn the value of agriculture and directly educate students about production agriculture, conservation, soil health, nutrition, and career exploration.

Pantry of Hope/Joyful Hearts- $1,500
Joyful Hearts with Helping Hands is a part of the Pantry of Hope, Inc. in Nortonville, Kansas. They provide free clothing (new-born to senior citizens) and personal hygiene items for anyone in need that comes to the store. For additional storage and easier accessibility, their goal is to place a 12’ x 24’ shed behind the store. The storage will be built to sustain for many years to come.

House of Hope- $1,000
House of Hope’s mission is to promote self-sufficiency of the homeless population. As soon as they are accepted into the program, the House Leader starts working with them to obtain employment. If needed, House of Hope funds the new resident for the first 3 weeks of their enrollment. Grant funding will help to cover the first 3 weeks while they are securing employment.