A Gift Worth Giving

In August, the OEC Foundation approved $62,000 in grants to local organizations and families. Grants are made possible thanks to thousands of members who choose to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar each month. Their generous donations go towards Operation Round Up (ORU), a program that provides funds for worthy causes throughout our service area.

“I think in today’s world, we think big companies just make big money for themselves, but we are a member-owned organization, and we’re just paying it forward,” said ORU President Beckie Turner. “It is an astronomical reward to know that everything we take in, we’re going to give back.”

Dale K Graham Veterans Foundation, Meals on Wheels OEC Foundation board grants $62,000 to local organizations, families Norman, Transition House, United Way of Norman and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul South Central District Council received $10,000 each. The board also awarded grants to two other organizations. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma received $6,000 for their kid’s backpack program, and the Newcastle Police Department received $4,000 to equip patrol
cars with essential tools.

“We serve disabled military veterans and their families by sharing our collective knowledge and experience to guide them through the Veterans Affairs claims process,” said Christian Monk, Director of Development at Dale K Graham Veterans Foundation. “We also aid low-income veterans by providing vouchers for medical assessments, temporary assistance with rent, utilities, transportation and food. OEC’s support of our mission means the world to us.”

Individuals also received assistance with eye care and purchasing hearing aids. Approximately 80 percent of our members choose to round up their monthly bills, with the change going towards the OEC Foundation board to disburse. On average, this amounts to $6 per year per member, which helps support various causes and programs.

The Foundation board is responsible for carefully reviewing and selecting organizations and projects that will have the most impact, and OEC is proud to support such worthwhile initiatives.

“Our grants help larger organizations expand their reach to help more people who are struggling,” Turner said. “It’s wonderful to see how far just a few dollars given every month can go.”

Over the last 26 years, ORU has awarded more than $5 million in grants to various local nonprofit organizations. These organizations provide vital services to their communities, including meals, clothes, Christmas gifts and more.

In addition to providing essential services, these organizations build community cohesion and support networks. As a result, the impact of ORU’s grants goes far beyond the immediate recipients. By supporting these organizations, ORU is helping to create stronger communities and making a difference.