Sumter EMC Foundation Donates Operation Round Up® Funds to Local Organizations

Sumter EMC Foundation Donates

Operation Round Up® Funds to Local Organizations

AMERICUS, GA – The Sumter EMC Foundation recently awarded almost $30,000 to organizations within its service territory. Read below to see how organizations were impacted.

Cooper Carver Elementary School was awarded $4,783.88 for adding adaptable workstations and items to benefit their STEM program. Items included Whiteboard tables and modular seating areas.

Positive Direction Youth Center in Terrell County received $3,703.32 for new additions to their program. They were able to purchase a new Smartboard and Bingo board.

Marion County EMS was granted $5,000 to purchase a Cardiac Monitor. This life-saving medical equipment will allow EMS personnel to investigate patients’ heart information in real-time.

Parks Memorial Library in Richland received $1,500 towards their “Books, Bunnies, & Baskets” initiative. With these funds, the library will promote literacy for each child in providing them Easter-themed books.

Southwest Georgia STEM Charter School was awarded $1,675 towards kitchen equipment for their ABLE Aggies baking program. Along with creating sweet treats and baked goods, this program is a learning experience for those with special needs to grow in their life skills.

The Lee County Education Foundation was granted $4,500 for teacher incentive grants. This allows teachers to elevate the level of education provided and create a more engaging educational experience for students.

The Buena Vista Police Department received $4,200 for the purchase of 4 bullet proof vests. This will provide protection for officers while they keep the community safe.

Lee County Library was awarded $4,000 towards new books for their library. In getting these new books, the library can effectively improve childhood literacy and encourage lifelong learning.

The Sumter EMC Foundation, Inc. was started in the Spring of 2003. It is funded by members who participate in Sumter EMC's Operation Round Up® program. Participation in the program is voluntary, and 100 percent of the funds generated are returned to the communities within Sumter EMC's service area through grants to schools and local civic or charitable organizations.

Each month Sumter EMC "rounds up" the electric bill of participating members to the next whole dollar and deposits the spare change in an interest-bearing account administered by a separate board of trustees. Individually, members contribute an average of just $6 per year, but collectively, their pocket change adds up to thousands of dollars. For more information on Operation Round Up®, please visit sumteremc.coop/foundation.

Images in Order

Image: “Cooper Carver Elem_Milton Reese”

(L-R): Dr. Milton Reese, Principal; and Andrea Walker, Sumter EMC Foundation Chairman

Image: “Positive Direction Youth Ctr”

(L-R): Ceola Glover, 3rd Grade Teacher; Mr. and Mrs. Tomlin, Executive Directors; and Andrea Walker, Sumter EMC Foundation Chairman

Image: “Marion Co EMS_Tripp Riddle”

(L-R): Whitney Johnson, Sumter EMC Foundation Secretary; and Tripp Riddle, Marion Co. EMS Director

Image: “Parks Memorial Library_Charelle Davis”

(L-R): Andrea Walker, Sumter EMC Foundation Chairman; and Charelle Davis, Library Branch Manager

Image: “SWGA STEM Charter School_Velvet Scoggins”

(L-R):  Velvet Scoggins, Special Education Director (Far Right on 2^nd row); students of the ABLE Aggies baking program; and Andrea Walker, Sumter EMC Foundation Chairman (Far Right on 1^st Row)

Image: “Lee Co Education Foundation_Jill Creech_Tracey Woodcock”

(L-R):  Jill Creech, Lee County Education Foundation Vice Chairman; Andrea Walker, Sumter EMC Foundation Chairman; and Tracey Woodcock, Lee County Education Foundation Secretary

Image: “Buena Vista Police Dept_Kevin Brown”

(L-R): Sharon Williams, Interim Chief; Andrea Walker, Sumter EMC Foundation Chairman; and Kevin Brown, Mayor

Image: “Lee Co Library_Erin Honeycutt”

(L-R): Erin Honeycutt, Assistant Director of the Lee Co Library; and Andrea Walker, Sumter EMC Foundation Chairman