The Operation Round-Up® program achieved a milestone in 2021 with five years of community giving. The program has granted funds to 80 organizations for a total of $355,892. The small act of members rounding up their monthly bill has provided spare change that has made significant impact to area communities.
The FreeState Community Foundation facilitates the program with the help of a volunteer member committee that reviews and awards grant funds quarterly. The volunteer committee members are:
- Brad Parker, Silver Lake
- Melinda Harwood, McLouth
- Morgan Starcher (Murrfield Farms), McLouth
- Deron Johnson, Silver Lake
- Carol Marple, Wakarusa
The committee allocations are all made possible by the generosity of members participating in the program. No matter how great or small the act, every time we give back, we strengthen our community. It only takes a few coins a month to add up to a significant change for our local communities and volunteer-driven organizations across the FreeState service territory.
For more information on how to apply for funding, visit www.freestate.coop/ORU. Applications can be completed online. APPLICATION DEADLINES ARE: MARCH 1, JUNE 1, SEPTEMBER 1 AND DECEMBER 1 of each calendar year. Please notify our billing department if you’d like to opt out (or in) to Operation Round-Up® by calling 800-794-1989.
Below are the allocations in 2021 equaling $83,700 provided to 18 local organizations. In addition, we are providing members with information spanning the five years of the program. We sincerely appreciate members who participate in this charitable giving program. We could not do what we do for our communities without you.
- Jefferson Co Ambulance – $3,500.00
Purchasing a new Sapphire Multi-Therapy Infusion devices and start-up supplies. - VFW Post 3084 – $2,500.00
Remodeling project to revitalize the current building utilized by the post and community. - Lakeshore Estates Improvement – $3,000.00
To purchase and put up a new siren near the Community Center/Pool area. - Jeff West USD 340 – $3,500.00
Construction of an outdoor classroom on the east side of the middle school building. - Helping Hands Humane Society – $5,000.00
Assisting rural areas of the humane society’s coverage area for the control of stray pet population through spaying and neutering. - Silver Lake Public Library – $2,700.00
Funding to purchase an AWE Learning Station to replace an older model. The station will focus on early literacy. - Catholic Charities – $5,000.00
CCNEK provides a Stabilization Service program that aids with housing and utilities to prevent eviction, disconnection and/or restoration of utility services. - K-State Research Extension-Leavenworth Co. Livestock Comm. – $2,000.00
Support for livestock judging clinics. - Brothers In Blue Reentry – $3,000.00
This reentry project will target post-release supportive services. - McLouth FFA – $3,500.00
Funds to cover the cost of all meals for FFA students while competing and traveling during the 2021-2022 school year. - Perry Lecompton Community Library – $3,000.00
Establish a computer and audio-visual center. - Race Against Breast Cancer – $2,500.00
Funding used to pay for screening and diagnostic services in the local community. - Shawnee County Fire District 2 – $4,500.00
To purchase a heaving strut kit for stabilization to use for vehicle accidents. - North Topeka Outreach – $1,500.00
Operation Backpack Program providing food. - God’s Storehouse – $3,000.00
Repair a hole in the floor to keep the building secure. Replace a freezer and refrigerator. - Lecompton UMC – $1,500.00
Backpack program providing for students in need. - Silver Lake Fire Dept. – $15,500.00
Assistance to purchase a Lifepak device. - Oskaloosa Rural Housing Development – $15,000.00
Provide funding to replace windows at one of the apartment complexes. - USD 449 – Pleasant Ridge – $7,000.00
Funding to launch the RealityWorks Infant Care Simulator program.