Operation Roundup Strong Nationwide

>> Since Tri-County EMC introduced an Operation Roundup program in 2001, over $220,000 has been granted to 75 organizations in eight counties. The program, started by Palmetto EMC in Ridgeland, S.C. in 1989, had 129 participants at that time. Three years later, 245 electric cooperatives across the country offer the program, all benefiting local needs. In Georgia, 18 EMCs have discovered the success of the program, with over $3.8 million being granted within the state.

According to Margaret Morris, who coordinates the Operation Roundup program for Tri-County EMC, "The greatest aspect is that 100 percent of the funds, which are literally collected a few pennies at a time, goes directly to local needs."

Georgia's participating coops fulfill requests from many of the same philanthropic organizations, such as the American Red Cross or the Make a Wish Foundation, or service agencies such as Meals on Wheels. Other recipients are small organizations or churches seeking assistance for individual needs, such as victims of a house fire. While the recipients of Roundup funds vary greatly, the impact is clear. With over $220,000 distributed to worthy causes and hundreds of lives impacted, Operation Roundup has made a real difference.<<

  >> The success of Operation
  Roundup means help for
  organizations like Operation
  Early Intervention. <<