In the face of the March wildfire destruction, Central Rural Electric Cooperative members came together in the way they always do, with compassion, strength and action. 

During the fires and high winds, nearly one-fourth of members were left in the dark as fires raged through five of the seven counties served by Central.

In response, the Central Community Foundation acted swiftly to bring hope and support where it was needed most. Through disaster relief grants, the Foundation awarded nearly $40,000 to 86 members who suffered damage or lost their homes due to the fires.  

“This is what being a cooperative is about, coming together when it matters most,” said Shane Burgess, Central’s CEO. “We’re grateful that our members received relief in the wake of such devastation.” 

The foundation’s ability to provide this emergency support was made possible through the generosity of Central members who participate in Operation Round Up, a voluntary program where members round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. Those small donations, averaging just $6 per year per member, add up to make a big impact in the lives of those within Central’s service area. 

The Central Community Foundation, established in 2006, is dedicated to improving lives across its service area by providing assistance with education, health care, disaster relief and community events. Over the years, $1.3 million have been distributed to nonprofits, community groups and individuals in need, thanks entirely to Operation Round Up participants. 

“Our members are the ones who make the biggest difference in our communities,” Burgess said. “Thank you to everyone who participates in Operation Round Up. By rounding up your bill each month, you have helped support not only our members but also our neighbors.”

The majority of the grant recipients stated that the funds would help with repairs, rebuilding and temporary housing. 

While no amount of money can erase the pain of loss, these disaster relief grants offered hope, stability and a reminder that no one in our community stands alone. The strength of our communities lies not just in the power lines that connect our homes, but in the hearts of the people who live here. 

These grants were made possible through your generosity. Every time you round up your bill through Operation Round Up, you’re making a powerful difference. Your small change made a big difference in providing comfort, hope and helping neighbors facing unimaginable loss. 

Want to make a donation? Visit mycentral.foundation.