It’s spare change that makes a big difference. Thanks to participating Operation Round Up members for allowing their bills to be rounded-up each month to the nearest dollar. Since the beginning of the program in January 2002, over $615,000 has been given back to our community. The money has been used by organizations who serve all sectors of our community — youth, seniors, young families, and everyone in-between.   

The following organizations recently received Operation Round Up funds:

Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School Dance Team received $1,950 to help pay for three mirrors. The mirrors are crucial to the development of dancers, giving them the opportunity to critique their own movements. 

Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry received $2,000 to pay for the processing of approximately 1,600 pounds of donated livestock and deer, providing over 6,500 meals through local hunger relief agencies. 

Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center  received $1,700 to help pay for a speaker and printed materials to teach the dangers of teen dating violence with the curriculum “Safe Dates” in health classes. Approximately 142 students across the Prairie Heights, Lakeland and Westview schools will be reached.

Junior Achievement serving LaGrange County received $3,000 to help provide programming for over 2,000 students in 53 classes in Westview and Lakeland school districts. Students are taught skills that range from differentiating needs vs. wants to financial wellness and money-management strategies.

LaGrange County 4-H Association received $4,000 to help keep its facilities maintained so they are available for youth activities, meetings, and other community use. 

For local nonprofit organizations who are seeking funding for a project, please fill out and return an application to the LaGrange County REMC office by Friday, July 1, to be considered for the next round of Operation Round Up disbursements. Applications can be downloaded from the REMC website, lagrangeremc.com.