The Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Inc. “Operation Round-Up” program distributed its latest round of grants on October 19. Representatives of the local non-profits receiving funds met at the Cook County Community Center to accept funding for various good causes. (L-R) Beth Schwarz, ISD 166; Mica Harju, North House Folk School; Mary Sanders, ISD 166; Sue Prom, Operation Round-Up Trust Chair; Pat Zankman, Cook County Historical Society; Suzanne From, Cross River Heritage Center; Paul McFarlane, Colvill Fire Department; Courtnee Ashford, Cooperation Station daycare; Shawn Perich, Hovland Fire Department.
Eleven non-profit entities gathered at the Cook County Community Center on October 19 to receive grants totaling $12,821.57 from the Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Inc (AECI) Operation Round Up program. Sue Prom, of the Operation Round Up board of trustees once again had the honor of presenting checks to representatives of the grants.
Prom said serving on the board of trustees is very rewarding—especially when it comes to awarding the grants. “Thiss a great job. I get to give away money!”
She encouraged Arrowhead Electric customers to look at their bill from the electric cooperative. If the amount due isn’t an even number, she asked customers to give Arrowhead a call to join the Operation Round Up program.
“Thisis a case where every cent does make a difference,” said Prom, before announcing the recipients.
Colvill Fire Department, represented by Paul McFarlane, received $600 to purchase five lengths of hard suction hose for its pumpers.
North House Folk School, represented by Mica Harju, received $900 toward the purchase of a fully weatherized bulletin board/information area for posters, announcements, and other resources at the waterfront campus.
School District 166 Board Member Mary Sanders and Superintendent Beth Schwarz accepted the largest grant, $3,000, which will be used toward modifying four doors at the school to make them handicap accessible. The overall cost of the project is $32,000 for eight push button operating systems.
Schwarz also expressed appreciation for the donation to Cook County Track & Field, which received $600 to purchase six hurdles for the student track team.
Shawn Perich of the Hovland Area Volunteer Fire Department accepted a check for $2,200 for two small gas generators to provide scene safety lighting during night incidents.
The Cooperation Station, represented by Courtnee Ashford, received $300 for books about family relationships, grief and death, selfconfidence, and others.
Pat Zankman of the Cook County Historical Society represented her organization and accepted $850 toward funding for much-needed rack storage in the new archival section of the Cook County Historical Society Museum.
Also receiving funding was Cook County Higher Education, which received $1,500 for chairs and tables for the new North Shore Campus. The North Shore Children’s House Preschool received $1,013 for staff development and CPR training; a scholarship fund for families needing
help with tuition; and for Handwriting Without Tears
curriculum.
The Birch Grove Foundation received $1,000 to enable low-income families to participate in the Saplings preschool program.
After the presentation, Customer Service Representative Georgene Daubanton said, “A big thank you to the members of Arrowhead Electric for their donations and generosity. “
For information on how to apply for Operation Round Up grants, or to make sure you are participating in the program, contact Arrowhead Electric at (218) 663-7239.
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