Thanks to the support and generosity of co-op members, the Luck Fire Department, the library in Webster, two food shelves, and programs for senior citizens and people with disabilities will receive a financial boost this quarter. Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round Up awarded $13,356 to 12 community organizations at its October 3, 2018, meeting.
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.
“Concern for community is one of our core values as a cooperative. We are pleased to support many worthy programs through Operation Round Up, and we thank our members for their participation and kindness. Together, we can make a difference,” said Polk-Burnett General Manager Steve Stroshane.
Operation Round Up grant recipients for fall 2018 are:
1. Endeavors Greenhouse, $1,000, to purchase metal benches for greenhouse
2. WPCA Radio, $1,000, to purchase new computer, and replace entrance door and ramp
3. Home and Away Ministries, Ruby’s Retreat, $1,000, to help pay for new furnace
4. City of St. Croix Falls, $1,000, to help rehab and expand historic Civic Auditorium
5. Friends of Larsen Family Public Library, $1,000, to purchase books and supplies for early childhood literacy program
6. Polk County Information Center, $556, to host third-annual tourism conference
7. Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County, $1,500, to help seniors and people with disabilities
8. Luck Community Education, $300, to support Prairie Fire Theatre for students in grades 1-12
9. Family Pathways of St. Croix Falls and Frederic, $3,000 ($1,500 each), to purchase food and fresh produce
10. Golden Age Manor, $1,000, to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED)
11. Luck Fire Department, $1,000, to help replace 1978 Ford brush truck
12. Burnett County Emergency Management, $1,000, to print 211 information cards for Burnett County residents
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 December 1.
Photo above: Luck Fire Department received a $1,000 grant from Operation Round Up to help replace its 1978 brush truck. L-R: Lisa Nick, Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative; Tony Carter, Randy Petersen and Jake Harvey, Luck Fire Department; Todd Miller, Polk-Burnett Propane Services; Jon Erickson, Luck Fire Department; and Herschel Brown, Polk-Burnett Operation Round Up board director.
Photo below: Endeavors Greenhouse & Garden Center will use a $1,000 grant from Operation Round Up to purchase benches. Endeavors provides meaningful employment and education for adults with disabilities. Standing in front of hydroponic tomato plants in the greenhouse are Lisa Nick, Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative; Endeavors staff Jeanne Alling, Paula Foerst, Kathy Clark, Katie Blantz and Terry Otter; and Herschel Brown, Polk-Burnett Operation Round Up board director. Tomatoes, plants and produce are sold at Endeavors Greenhouse in Milltown and local farmers markets.
