In December, the Community Assistance Corporation, or CAC, a not-for-profit foundation established by South River EMC, awarded $47,416.61 through Operation Round Up grants. Since the program’s inception, local communities have received $1,403,092 in grants, thanks to members’ generosity.
Organizations receiving grants for $5,000 included: Lillington/Flatwoods Fire Department; Roseboro Rescue & EMS, Inc.; Boy Scouts of America Occoneechee Council, LaFayette District; and Newton Grove Fire & Rescue Inc. Harnett County Literacy, Inc. received a grant for $4,990.00.
“This program enables us to grow our communities from the roots up,” said Catherine O’Dell, vice president of member services and public relations, South River EMC. “Operation Round Up has proven to be the engine that drives the success of many agencies in our communities.”
The program benefits not only community non-profit organizations, but educational institutions as well. The educational programs receiving grants are: Hobbton High School, $6,338.61; Armstrong Elementary, $6,088.00; Midway High School, $5,000.00; and Plain View Elementary, $5,000.00.
Each month, nearly 79 percent of South River EMC members have their bill rounded help to put money to work in their communities. Operation Round Up is a voluntary program that allows members to round up their energy bill to the next whole dollar. For example, if their bill was $125.25, the bill would be rounded up to $126 and the extra 75¢ would be deposited into the CAC fund. By participating, members can put their nickels and dimes to work and make a difference in their community.
“Operation Round Up is proof that small change adds up to big change,” said O’Dell. “This program provides a mechanism for every member, despite their income, to give a small donation that reaches thousands of people in a meaningful manner.”
Grants are given on a quarterly basis. The next round of applications are due February 19 by 5 p.m. and funding decisions will be made in September. Applications can be found at sremc.com.
South River EMC is a locally-owned and operated electric cooperative, which provides electric service to 43,000 homes, farms and businesses in parts of Harnett, Cumberland, Sampson, Johnston and Bladen counties.
