What is Operation Round Up?
At Big Country Electric Cooperative, we love our communities and believe in the power of working together to make good things happen, and to take care of people. Each of us has the ability to do good but, when we band together, that ability multiplies, turning good things into great things. This is why we have initiated Operation Roundup: to allow the cooperative and its members to partner together to provide financial assistance locally. This program is supported by members who voluntarily “round up” their electric bill to the nearest dollar. For example, if your electric bill is $51.22, your bill would be rounded to $52.00 and the change – never any more than 99 cents a month – would go into the Big Country Electric Cooperative trust fund for distribution of funds to individuals and organizations for charitable purposes only in the counties we serve: Borden, Fisher, Garza, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Mitchell, Nolan, Scurry, Shackelford, Stonewall and Throckmorton. The contribution is per meter and would average to about $6 per year. Applications will be evaluated and funds will be disbursed by the Trust’s Board of Directors – your peers and neighbors, who volunteer their time, hearts and consideration to making decisions that will positively impact lives in our communities. Food needs and food banks, shelter, health needs and rescue organizations, educational projects, child care programs and other special needs are just a few of the ways your small donation can strengthen our communities. You, our members, will be kept informed on the status of the Trust: how much has been collected, where funds are being used, and how differences are being made. All funds are kept separate from the cooperative, your contributions are tax-deductible, and applications will be handled with the utmost confidence and respect. Every penny will stay right here at home, in the counties we serve.
New BCEC members are automatically be enrolled as contributors to this program beginning with the December 2014 billing; however, you may choose to opt-out of this program, with no questions asked, by Opting Out of participation.
Operation Round Up Qualifications and Limitations:
The mission of Big Country Electric Cooperative Trust (Operation Round Up program) is the accumulation and disbursement of funds for charitable purposes in Borden, Fisher, Garza, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Mitchell, Nolan, Scurry, Shackelford, Stonewall and Throckmorton Counties. This shall be accomplished by disbursement of funds to individuals and organizations for food, shelter, clothing, health needs and education. Individuals or families are limited to one approved disbursement per twelve-month period of up to $2,500.00. Funds may not be used for utilities such as electric, water, gas, phone, or any other utility bills.
Organizations and charities or like organizations may apply without restriction and are limited to a total of $10,000.00 in approved disbursements per twelve-month period.
This statement may be modified from time to time by a two thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors.
Please contact Sarah McLen at (325) 776-3803 or at smclen@bigcountry.coop with any questions about Operation Round Up.
