The holiday season is finally here, and some call it the most wonderful season of all. That’s because we associate it with family traditions and gathering with friends and loved ones. It’s a time of giving and spreading joy. 

Giving back reminds me of the many good things we have right here in our community and why it’s so important to extend the good as far as we can, especially to the most vulnerable in our local area. I’m also reminded of how wonderful our community is and what a big impact we can have when we work together.

As a member of Jay County REMC, you help us spread the “good” throughout the year. Through our Operation Round Up program, your donations help local families and individuals in need by providing financial assistance to non-profits and charitable organizations. This is an easy program to opt-in to through our SmartHub application, or you can call us at 230-726-7121 and we can enroll you directly over the phone.  

When you “round up” your monthly bill from Jay County REMC and donate to this fund, you’re making a big difference in someone’s life. You are helping to meet an immediate, critical need, but just as importantly, you are telling this person that the community cares.  

Over the years, our community- focused programs have supported local schools and young people, fed hungry families, enabled families in need to keep the lights on and so much more. 

Jay County REMC also participates in the Indiana Youth Tour, where we take our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C., for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action. Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because of you and your neighbors. 

You’ve likely heard me say that the cooperative principle “concern for community” is part of Jay County REMC’s DNA. It defines who we are as an organization. When we first brought electricity to this community, the quality of life improved. But other things also need to be addressed, and through the years, this co-op has been at the forefront of bringing improvements to the quality of life in this community. It’s why we participate in programs like Operation Round Up. 

Though this program is still new to Jay County REMC, we are excited to see how it grows and contributes to the health of our communities. Across the country, more than 350 electric co-ops have an Operation Round Up program, and together, they’ve raised millions for local communities. This shows that small donations from electric co-ops like ours, over time, can collectively make a big impact.

As a local cooperative, we have a stake in this community. It’s why we support local organizations like 4-H and United Way, as well as our local school programs. We hope you will think of Jay County REMC as more than your energy provider, but also as a catalyst for good in our community. 

I hope all our members have a joyous holiday season. May it be merry and bright!