They can when those pennies are combined with similar donations from other electric cooperative consumers.

That is the whole premise behind Operation Round Up (ORU). Through the aptly named program, those who receive their electric service from a cooperative like Marshall County REMC can “round up” their monthly bill to the nearest dollar. So, if your bill is $52.52, it is rounded up to $53, with 48 cents deposited into the ORU fund. The average yearly contribution (a 50-cent monthly contribution) is $6. The maximum you would contribute is just $11.88 a year — or 99 cents a month. Your contribution is tax-deductible.

It’s hard to believe such small donations could affect significant change. Through ORU, donations from you and other cooperative consumers are collected and placed in a trust. Non-profit organizations in your community — like senior citizen programs, volunteer fire departments, and other programs benefiting those in need — can apply for grants through ORU. A volunteer board of trustees reviews the applications and chooses which programs ORU can help during that funding cycle.

“Operation Round Up’s mission to make a positive difference in our community fits in perfectly with Marshall County REMC’s role,” said Marshall County REMC Communications Specialist Arianna Thome. “We’re happy we can offer this option to help our consumers help others.”

Participation in ORU is voluntary, and consumers can join or drop out of the program anytime. Visit our website at marshallremc.com/operation-round-up to enroll or to learn more about the program.