Your spare change goes a long way when you share it through the Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperatives Operation RoundUp program. By member-owners voluntarily rounding up their electric bills to the next dollar each month, Lorain-Medina Rural Electrics 16,600 consumers have made a big difference with small change in the local community.
These pennies, nickels and dimes have helped to raise thousands of dollars every year throughout the Lorain-Medina Rural Electric community. Health and rescue organizations, food banks, educational projects, child care programs and individuals with special needs are just a sample of the individuals and organizations that have already seen the benefits of Operation RoundUp donations.
Every cent donated is deposited into the Lorain-Medina Rural Electric People Fund, Inc., a special trust fund, which is used only for helping people or groups with special needs. These contributions can be considered tax deductible, charitable donations. The average monthly donation per member is just 50 cents a month.
The Lorain-Medina Rural Electric People Fund was established in January 1999. Since 422 grants totaling more than $1,036,000 have been issued throughout the cooperatives service area.
A People Fund Board of Trustees, which are appointed by the Cooperatives Board of Trustees, are named from throughout the Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative service area. This board reviews and approves applications for assistance, based on demonstrated need and funds available. Political issues or campaigns are not eligible for grants from the People Fund.
Members of the Lorain-Medina Rural Electric People Fund Board are appointed for three-year terms.
People Fund surpasses $1 Million in grants to LMRE community - Published in July issue of Country Living magazine
People Fund Board of Trustees
District 1 - Patrick Verlotti- Brighton, Clarksfield, New London, Rochester, Ruggles and Wakeman.
District 2 - Sherry Norton- Camden, Florence, Henrietta, New Russia and Pittsfield.
District 3 - Kathleen Norton Fox- Carlisle, Columbia and Eaton.
District 4 - Linda Heyde- Huntington, Penfield and Wellington.
District 5 - Dave Moulder - LaGrange Township.
District 6 - Thomas Bieniosek - Grafton, Litchfield, Liverpool and York.
District 7 - Lora Callihan- Clear Creek, Jackson, Orange, Sullivan and Troy.
District 8 - Bill Arthur - Spencer, Homer, Congress, Canaan and Burbank Village.
District 9 - Daniel Siman- Chatham, Harrisville, Lafayette and Westfield.
Nearly 85 percent of Lorain-Medina Rural Electrics eligible member-owners are currently participating in the Operation RoundUp program. Opting in our out of the program at any time is simple and easy to do. Just call us at (800)222-5673 or (440)647-2133 or enclose a note with your monthly bill payment.
Applying for a grant is simple. The People Fund Board of Trustees meets quarterly, in January, April, July and October. The deadline for grant applications is at the end of the proceeding months – March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. Individual and organizational greats are limited to Lorain-Medina Rural Electric members/families and organizations that serve the Lorain-Medina service area, those being Ashland, Huron, Lorain, Medina and Wayne counties in Ohio.
For more information, contact the cooperative’s Member Services Department at 440-647-2133 or by e-mail.