The holiday season was here and gone. Some call it the most wonderful season of all. That’s because we associate it with family traditions and gathering with friends and loved ones. It’s a time of giving and spreading joy.
But giving back reminds us of the many good things we have right here in our communities and why it’s so important to spread the good as far as we can, especially to the most vulnerable in our local areas. We are also reminded of how wonderful our communities are and what a significant impact we can have when we work together.
When you are a member of Alfalfa Electric Cooperative, you help us spread the good throughout the year. Through our Operation Round-Up program, your donations help local families, individuals, and non-profit organizations in need. “Small change that changes lives” is the foundation on which the Operation Round- Up program was built. Members who agree to participate allow AEC to “round up” their monthly electric bill to the next highest dollar. For example, a bill of $55.75 would be rounded up to $56, with the additional $0.25 going to the Operation Round-Up fund. The amount “rounded up” on each participating customer’s bill averages a total of $6 per year.
When you “round up” your monthly bill from AEC and donate to this fund, you make a big difference in someone’s life. You are helping to meet an immediate, critical need, but just as importantly, you are showing the community cares.
Over the years, our community-focused programs and other giving projects have supported area schools and young people, fed hungry families, enabled families in need to keep their lights on, and so much more.
You’ve likely heard it said that the cooperative principle of “Concern for Community” is part of AEC’s DNA. It defines who we are as an organization. When we first brought electricity to this area in 1937, the quality of life improved; however, other things also need to be addressed. Through the years, this co-op has been at the forefront of improving our communities’ quality of life. It’s why AEC created our own Operation Round-Up in 2002.
Since 2004, members have helped AEC give $681,911.69 back to local families, individuals, and non-profit organizations through this program. More than 350 electric co-ops across the country have an Operation Round-Up program, and together, we’ve raised millions for local communities. This shows that small donations from electric co-ops like ours, over time, can collectively make a significant impact.
As a local cooperative, we have a stake in our communities. We hope you will think of AEC not only as your energy provider but also as a catalyst for good in your communities.
Operation Round-Up meets in January, March, May, July, September and November. To apply and be considered for an Operation Round-Up grant, applications are due by the first day of the meeting month. To learn more about Operation Round-Up, visit AEC’s website, www.aec.coop.