| |
 |
|||
|
|||
 |
|||
    |
Operation Round Up
OVERVIEW:
SMALL CHANGE THAT CHANGES LIVES
Since the time Kankakee Valley REMC was formed in 1939, we have been dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in northern Indiana. We do this by not only providing affordable electric service to our customers, but also by our active involvement in a number of important community support programs.
One of the most successful community efforts in which we're involved has been the Operation Round Up® program.
Founded by Palmetto Electric Cooperative in 1989, and adopted by Kankakee Valley REMC in 1999, Operation Round Up has been an incredibly successful way in which we have been able to help the less fortunate in our community. Through Operation Round Up, Kankakee Valley REMC automatically rounds up a participating member's electric bill to the next highest dollar. For example, a consumer's monthly bill of $52.73 would be automatically rounded up to $53.00, with the additional 27 cents going to the Operation Round Up Fund. On an annual basis, we are able to donate roughly six dollars for each participating customer -- and that pool of money is then allocated to a variety of worthy causes throughout our service area.
With the possible participation of over 16,000 customer members, the money raised through Operation Round Up has the potential to make an overwhelming difference for the less fortunate in our community.
Operation Round Up Application
Operation Roundup Sign-Up Form
Scholarship Information
Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Roundup offers graduating high school seniors from area high schools that are planning to continue their education at a college or university next year the opportunity to apply for 6 available scholarships. There are two $1,000 and four $500 scholarships available to the winners of this scholarship.
The Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Roundup scholarship is only available to Kankakee Valley REMC members who are participants of Operation Roundup at the time the application is submitted. All applications are due into the office by March 3, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Any question please contact Amanda Leek 800-552-2622 or aleek@kvremc.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. |
What is Operation Round Up? |
A. |
Operation Round Up gathers voluntary contributions from participating cooperative customers by "rounding up" their monthly bills to the next dollar -- resulting in an average donation of approximately $6 per year, which is distributed to worthy local causes. Small change indeed. but multiplied by our 16, 000 customers, it is "small change that changes lives." Every donation is made to applicants in our own local area, and all of the contributions go to worthwhile needs, not to the administrative costs of running the program. What is most rewarding about the concept of Operation Round Up is that it is an extension of the concept of neighbor helping neighbor that built our electric cooperative. |
Q. |
Who controls the funds that Operation Round Up generates? |
A. |
The Operation Round Up Trust is separate entity from the REMC with its own board of directors consisting of leaders within the community. Current board members include: Darl Jarneke, Kouts; Keith Meyers, Chesterton; Terry Kimmel, Hanna; Kelly Daube, Walkerton; Dolores Surfus, Knox; Judy Jelinek, San Pierre; Bridget Strejc, Grovertown; and Gloria Fields, Winamac. |
Q. |
Who will benefit from the Operation Round Up program? |
A. |
The Operation Round Up program is intended to benefit people and organizations within the Kankakee Valley REMC service area. Operation Round Up funds may be used for community service projects, economic development, education and youth programs, environmental projects, emergency energy assistance and disaster relief. Operation Round Up funds may not be used for political purposes. |
Q. |
Where are the funds kept? |
A. |
The Operation Round Up funds are kept in a trust fund and are dispersed as directed by the Operation Round Up board. |
Q. |
Who can apply for Operation Round Up funds? |
A. |
Individuals and organizations within (or serving within) the Kankakee Valley REMC service area may apply. |
Q. |
Do I have to participate in Operation Round Up? |
A. |
The Operation Round Up program is voluntary. Each new customer is automatically signed up to participate, but any customer who wishes not participate may notify us by calling our office at 219-733-2511 or 800-552-2622. Any customer who previously decided not to participate and has now changed their mind, may sign up for Operation Round Up by calling the REMC office. |
Q. |
How many cooperative participate in Operation Round Up? |
A. |
There are currently 134 cooperatives across the country participating in this program. |
Q. |
How much will Operation Round Up cost a customer? |
A. |
The average customer will contribute $6.00/year; the most they can contribute is $11.88/year. These dollars are tax deductible. You will receive notification of the total amount you have contributed during the year. |
Q. |
How was the decision made for Kankakee Valley REMC to participate in Operation Round Up? |
A. |
The information was first presented to the Kankakee Valley REMC Board of Directors for their consideration. The Board of Directors saw the program as a benefit to the communities that are served by the REMC and voted to proceed with the program. |
Q. |
How much can a person receive from the Operation Round Up Program? |
A. |
The Operation Round Up board has granted requests ranging from $200.00 up to $3,500.00. To see a list of how Operation Round Up funds have been dispersed, click HERE. |
Q. |
How do I apply for funds? |
A. |
Applications are available at the Kankakee Valley REMC office. Interested parties can contact the Corporation office at (219) 733-2511 or (800) 552-2622 for information regarding the Round Up Program or to receive an application. The application may also be downloaded from the website using the link below. (Download requires Acrobat Reader.) The completed application must be submitted to the Operation Round Up Trust Board for consideration at their next scheduled meeting. |
Q. |
I heard that scholarship funds are available through Operation Roundup. What are the requirements and how do I apply for them? |
A. |
The Operation Roundup Board awards several scholarships each year. Applicants must be the children of members who are participating in the Operation Roundup program. Use the links below to view the scholarship program guidelines and download an application. |
 |
|
 |
 |
