The Federated Rural Electric Trust, Jackson, recognized local organizations receiving $27,090 through Operation Round Up. These donations occur due to monthly contributions by participating Federated members. 26 groups received money in this 52nd round of funding.

F E D R E A -OPERATION ROUND UP FUNDS-Martin County Recipients

MCW Indoor Pool

The MCW Indoor Pool, Sherburn, received $140 from Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up Program. Dianne Armbrust accepted the check. The money will buy Aqua Steps for their water aerobics program.

Caregiver Response Efforts and Service Team (CREST), Fairmont

Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up Program awarded a $200 check to Caregiver Response Efforts and Service Team (CREST), Fairmont. Rob Stauter accepted the check. The money will go toward Covid-19 supplies: masks, sanitizer, wipes, etc.

MCW Preschool/Kindergarten

Dianne Armbrust accepted a check for $658 from Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up Program on behalf of the MCW Preschool/Kindergarten. The money will buy two I-Pads to teach students during group activities.

Sherburn Fire Department

Brad Ringnell accepted a check for $850 from Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up Program on behalf of the Sherburn Fire Department. The money will buy a grain bin rescue auger, which will be shared with other area fire departments.

Lutheran Social Services, Fairmont

Lutheran Social Services, Fairmont, received a $1,000 check from Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up Program. Jodi Zeitz accepted the check. The money will go toward a dish sanitizer to safely provide meals for seniors.

South Central Volunteer Dive Team, Trimont

Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up Program awarded the South Central Volunteer Dive Team, Trimont, with a check for $1,000. Melvia Nelsen accepted the check. The money will go toward their emergency vehicle’s lights and a siren that serves southern Minnesota with underwater search and rescue.

Ceylon Emergency Medical Service

The Ceylon Emergency Medical Service received a $1,000 check from Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up Program. Ellen Kling accepted the check. The money goes toward purchase of an extractor/washing machine/dryer.

Martin County West Trimont Elementary

The Martin County West Trimont Elementary School received a $1,000 check. The money will buy four bikes for the physical education program. Dianne Armbrust accepted the check.

Salvation Army’s Heatshare Program

The Salvation Army’s Heatshare Program received a $1,500 check, courtesy of Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up Program. Ana Gonzalez accepted the check. The money will help Federated members with emergency energy assistance.

City of Sherburn & Martin Count West Schools

MVW’s Michelle Baker accepted a check for $2,000 from Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up Program on behalf of the City of Sherburn & MCW Schools. The money will go toward flashing traffic lights by the high school and elementary school.

The Trust Board received 33 applications totaling $61,086 in this 52nd round of funding. The Trust Board will meet again in the spring to determine the next round of funding. The deadline for submitting applications is February 12, 2021.

About 80 percent of Federated Rural Electric members participate in Operation Round Up. They allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the nearest dollar. For example, a bill of $55.75 is rounded up to $56. The extra cents go to a special trust fund, which is administered by an independent trust board that consists of seven Federated members. Since the first round of funding in 1995, about $775,000 has been awarded to local organizations and as high school scholarships.

“Operation Round Up is a way for members to help members,” said Marlys Runge, Federated’s Trust Board Chairman. “Just a few cents a month, when added with other members’ cents, can really add up and do some good in our communities. On the average, a member’s Round Up contributions amount to approximately $6 a year, which is tax-deductible.”

The Trust Board’s policy outlines project categories eligible for funding:

  • community service (emphasis on public safety, health care and enhancement of cultural environment),
  • community leadership programs,
  • education and youth projects (social problems and wellness/athletics),
  • environmental projects (recycling, environmental education and environmental ag research),
  • emergency energy assistance funds to organizations for distribution and
  • disaster relief.

Interested organizations may go to www.federatedrea.coop to download the application form and information, e-mail info@federatedrea.coop for an application or call 507-847-3520; ask for Andrea.