The Operation Round-Up® program achieved a milestone in 2021 with five years of community giving. The program has granted funds to 80 organizations for a total of $355,892. The small act of members rounding up their monthly bills has provided spare change that has made a significant impact on area communities.
The FreeState Community Foundation facilitates the program with the help of a volunteer member committee that reviews and awards grant funds quarterly. The volunteer committee members are:
- Brad Parker, Silver Lake
- Melinda Harwood, McLouth
- Morgan Starcher (Murrfield Farms), McLouth
- Deron Johnson, Silver Lake
- Carol Marple, Wakarusa
The committee allocations are all made possible by the generosity of members participating in the program. No matter how great or small the act, every time we give back, we strengthen our community. It only takes a few coins a month to add up to a significant change for our local communities and volunteer-driven organizations across the FreeState service territory.
For more information on 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’d like to opt out (or in) to Operation Round-Up® by calling 800-794-1989.
We sincerely appreciate members who participate in this charitable giving program. We could not do what we do for our communities without you. Below are the allocations in 2021 equaling $83,700 provided to 18 local organizations.
Jefferson County Ambulance -$3,500
Purchasing a new Sapphire Multi-Therapy Infusion device and start-up supplies.
VFW Post 3084 -$2,500 Remodeling project to revitalize the current building utilized by the post and community.
Lakeshore Estates Improvement -$3,000
To purchase and put up a new siren near the Community Center/Pool area.
Jeff West USD 340 -$3,500 Construction of an outdoor classroom on the east side of the middle school building.
Helping Hands Humane Society -$5,000
Assisting rural areas of the humane society’s coverage area for the control of stray pet population through spaying and neutering.
Silver Lake Public Library -$2,700
Funding to purchase an AWE Learning Station to replace an older model. The station will focus on early literacy.
Catholic Charities -$5,000 CCNEK provides a Stabilization Service program that aids with housing and utilities to prevent eviction, disconnection and/or restoration of utility services.
KSRE-Leavenworth County. Livestock Committee -$2,000 Support for livestock judging clinics.
Brothers In Blue Reentry -$3,000
This reentry project will target post-release supportive services.
McLouth FFA -$3,500 Funds to cover the cost of all meals for FFA students while competing and traveling during the 2021-2022 school year.
Perry Lecompton Community Library -$3,000 Establish a computer and audio-visual center.
Race Against Breast Cancer -$2,500
Funding is used to pay for screening and diagnostic services in the local community.
Shawnee County Fire District No. 2 -$4,500 To purchase a heaving strut kit for stabilization to use for vehicle accidents.
North Topeka Outreach -$1,500
Operation Backpack Program providing food.
God’s Storehouse -$3,000 Repair a hole in the floor to keep the building secure. Replace a freezer and refrigerator.
Lecompton UMC -$1,500 Backpack program providing for students in need.
Silver Lake Fire Department -$15,500
Assistance to purchase a Lifepak device.
Oskaloosa Rural Housing -$15,000
Provide funding to replace windows at one of the apartment complexes.
USD 449 - Pleasant Ridge -$7,000 Funding to launch the RealityWorks Infant Care Simulator program.