The generosity of Nobles Cooperative Electric member-owners continues to have an amazing effect on local communities. Even more astounding is the fact that tiny donations, an average of only 50 cents a month, are making these huge impacts. That’s over $317,000 since the program began!
Member-owners who participate in Operation Round Up allow the cooperative to round up their monthly electric bill to the next dollar. This small change is pooled into large amounts that a volunteer trust board oversees. Every penny goes to those in need.
Here is the latest round of donations:
A.C.E. Southwest MN – Murray County, $850 – Creating Memory Care Resource Centers at Slayton and Fulda Public Libraries. The resource centers will include Reminiscence Kits for people with memory loss and educational resources for caregivers of people with memory loss.
Brewster Senior Dining, 1,000 – Meals for Brewster diners and the homebound are prepared in Lakefield. Funding is needed so Brewster can pay the meal transporter from Lakefield to Brewster.
Chandler Area Quilters, $300 – This organization makes and gives around 125 quilts per year to the needy. They need to buy another new or used sewing machine, plus funds are needed to repair an older one and buy thread, yarn and material.
Community Christmas Baskets, $600 –On an annual basis, Christmas Baskets distributes food, gifts of warm clothing and toys to the most-needy families in Nobles County. All items are fresh and new.
Fulda Grades K-3, $ 650 – We are requesting funds for Fulda Grades K-3 classrooms for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) projects. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning application.
Hospice of Murray County, $950 – To purchase a new oxygen concentrator. The newer concentrators have a design that makes it easier for staff to handle and ensure patients are getting the correct amount of oxygen. The last couple of years, there has been an increase in the number of concentrators that are not up to code.
Junior Achievement of Murray County, $450 – JA of Murray County brought JA programs to 19 classrooms at Murray County Central and Fulda Elementary during the 2017/2018 school year with hopes to be in 19 classrooms this year.
Lake Wilson Fire Department, $1350 – To purchase a pump for our tanker truck that was recently acquired from the MN DNR. The truck is a 1984 Army 5 ton that only has a flat bed and is still OD green.
Monday Morning Quilt Club, $300 – To help with the purchase of batting to make quilts to give to hospice, Slayton Nursing Home, Helping Hands and veterans. They currently provide their own material and funds for batting.
Murray County Central 2nd Grade, $525 – To bring more STEM activities to the classroom by purchasing 4 different hand-on learning activities, 2 storage containers, flexible seating and 6 computer chairs for students to sit on.
Murray County Daycare Association, $675 – The daycare association is looking to refresh their CPR/First Aid training they are mandated to take.
Our Savior’s Lutheran Quilters, $300 – Funds are requested to be used to purchase quilting supplies.
Reading Community Center, $1150 – For the purchase of a commercial gas range and refrigerator that meet ETL standards. Shetek Area Sportsmen’s Association, $350 – Fishing rods are given to kids 12 and under. In the 2 years they’ve done this, 400 were given away. Requesting money to help in the cost of providing rods to the kids.
Sillerud Lutheran Church Quilters, $300 – To purchase rolls of batting and quilt backing fabric to finish quilts. In 2017, 249 quilts and 60 hygiene kits were distributed.
Slayton Fire Department Relief Association, $1300 – The request is to purchase a hose reel and 50 feet of hose to put on a tanker to help fight grass and corn field fires more efficiently.
Slayton United Methodist Quilters, $300 – To purchase batting for their quilts. They make quilts for the Murray County Christmas Project, hospice and nursing homes, along with bibs for Wonderworld preschool children.
Troop 134, $600– With the trops new facility at the old Prairie View Golf Course, a smart TV will give us an opportunity to set up a room for training purposes, merit badge, PowerPoint, watch movies on sleepovers and to do video conferences.
True Friends, $850 –True Friends camp and respite care programs benefit both individuals with disabilities and their families. The request is for True Friends scholarships.
United Way of SW MN, $1225 – UWSWMN sponsors the Imagination Library book program for all children ages birth to 5. Each month they receive a book. UWSWMN is requesting funds to support one month’s worth of books for children in our overlapping service area.
Wilmont Fire and Rescue, $825 – To purchase 5 Streamlight LED flashlights with rechargeable battery and 2 hands-free helmet flashlights. These would help light up dark situations where light is required for visibility and safety.
Worthington Area YMCA, $600 – The funds would support the Worthington Area YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. This program ensures no one will be turned away due to the inability to pay.
Worthington Composite Squadron – Civil Air Patrol, $600 – The local squadron’s mission is to provide cadet programs for cadets ages 12 to 18. Along with aerospace, leadership and emergency education, they also provide flight training. Funds would be used to support this training and other expenses such as uniforms, conferences, STEM kit and other training courses.
TOTAL OF $16,050
