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Operation Round Up


Southwestern Electric members can now fund worthwhile, pro-community projects in the co-op’s service area simply by checking a box at the bottom of their utility bill. The program, announced at Southwestern’s annual meeting of members, is called Operation Round Up.

“Operation Round Up allows the members of Southwestern Electric Cooperative, on a volunteer basis, to support charitable projects that benefit our co-op members,” said Sandy Nevinger, Southwestern’s director of member services and public relations. “Participation is simple. Members just check a box on their bill stub and they’re enrolled.”

Each month, the electric bills of participating co-op members are rounded to the next highest dollar. The extra change collected from participating members is added to the Round Up fund.

“For example, if your bill was $86.30, you would be billed $87, and the additional 70 cents would be contributed in your name to Operation Round Up,” said Nevinger. The average member contribution will add up to about $6 per year. “When you consider we have nearly 20,000 potential participants, you realize how quickly Operation Round Up could make substantial contributions to any number of worthwhile community projects,” Nevinger said.

Contributions to Operation Round Up are tax deductible.

Funds will be dedicated to projects in Southwestern’s service area. Contributions will be limited to not-for-profit organizations such as schools and civic groups. “We’re helping organizations that work to make our communities a better place to live,” Nevinger said.

“We understand that not everyone will want to participate. That’s why we made it an opt-in program,” she said. “If at any time a participating member wants to withdraw from the program, all they have to do is call. We’ll send a form for them to sign, and that’s all it takes.”

Dan Tillman, Southwestern’s director of finance, said funds collected for Operation Round Up go to a perpetual charitable trust administered by three cooperative members appointed by Southwestern Electric’s board of directors. Current trustees are Cathy Brandt of Edwardsville, chair; Michele McEvers of Sorento, vice chair; and Julie Lay of Ramsey, secretary/treasurer.

Representatives from not-for-profit organizations that would like to apply for Operation Round Up funds may pick up an application at Southwestern Electric’s offices in Greenville or Maryville. For more information contact Sandy Nevinger at (800) 637-8667.

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