Thanks to our participating members for allowing their bills to be rounded-up each month to the nearest dollar to help local organizations. Since the beginning of the Operation Round Up program in January 2002, over $688,000 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 groups received Operation Round Up funds:

LaGrange County Miracle Tree received $1,000 to purchase winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves, boots, etc.), clothes for daily living (jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, etc.), shoes, socks, underwear, pajamas and bedding for children whose families they serve.

Youth for Christ of Northern Indiana received $1,000 to support Campus Life programming at Westview Junior/ Senior High School. YFC’s Campus Life focuses on helping young people navigate the pivotal years of high school and middle school.

LaGrange County Clothes and Food Basket received $2,000 to replace a broken freezer.

Community Improvement League Inc. of South Milford received $1,000 to help construct ADA friendly trails and expand Austin Park to make it a more inviting place for multiple generations and for those with mobility challenges.

Meals of Hope, Inc. received $1,500 to provide food to youth living in LaGrange County when they do not receive food through the school systems. The money will be used to help start a fund specifically for emergency needs.

Kate’s Kart, Inc. received $1,500 to purchase children’s books to be given to children when they are patients at Parkview LaGrange Hospital. The money will impact 240 hospitalized children and their families.

Organizations who are seeking funding must fill out and return an application to the LaGrange County REMC office by July 1 to be considered for the next round of Operation Round Up disbursements. An application can be downloaded at lagrangeremc.com.