The money is pooled, and then allocated to a variety of worthy causes throughout the co-op’s seven-county service area. Each participating member donates approximately $6 annually to the fund. (Co-op members who do not wish to participate in Operation Round Up® can complete and return the ORU Opt-Out Form*.) Collectively, your generosity equates to about $18,000 a month to aid those in need. More than $5 million has been awarded locally in the last two decades.
All of the money contributed to Operation Round Up® is put into the OEC Foundation fund, separate from OEC’s accounts. The Foundation is administered by a 9-member board of directors, made up of volunteers nominated by the OEC Board of Trustees. Board members must live in the district they represent.