Operation Round Up - Frequently Asked Questions

Among electric cooperatives, there is a time honored tradition of giving. From the dawn of the electric cooperative movement, it was all about neighbors helping neighbors. Nothing has changed in that respect. In fact, electric cooperatives have only become more creative in identifying ways for their members and themselves to give back to their communities.

Your spare change truly can change lives, by benefiting those truly in need in our community. We thank all those who participate in this program and applaud your efforts to help make our community a better place to live for children, families, neighbors and friends.

What is the People Fund?
The People Fund is a community service program that provides funding for charitable and benevolent purposes for individuals, families and organizations in our community.

What are the funds used for?
Funding might be used to help provide shelter, food or clothing to a family devastated by a fire, or it might go toward helping defray the cost of a special wheel chair for a neighbor who can't afford one. Funds could also go to help a fire department obtain critical lifesaving equipment or to rescue organizations, food banks, educational projects or libraries, child care programs and many, many more others. For a list of what has been funded, click here.

What is Operation Round Up?
Operation Round Up is a program being adopted by hundreds of electric cooperatives throughout the country. This program "rounds up" your monthly bill to the next highest dollar, with the change going into the People Fund. For example, a $64.79 bill would be rounded to $65.00 and the 21¢ would be donated to the People Fund. For the average consumers, that equates to about 50¢ a month or about $6 a year. And all donations are tax deductible.

Why should I participate in Operation Round Up?
Your pennies, nickels and dimes can help raise thousands of dollars a year that will be used to help people right here in your community. Every single penny of your contribution is tax deductible and goes towards helping others.

How do I (or someone else) apply for assistance?
Those interested should complete an application form and submit it to the Operation Round Up board. Applications can be obtained at Firelands Electric Cooperative's office or by clicking here.