Operation RoundUp
Small Change that changes lives
Since Washington EMC was formed in 1937, it has been dedicated to improving the
quality of life for people in rural east-central Georgia. This is done by not only
providing affordable electric service to Washington EMC customers, but also by the
cooperative’s active involvement throughout the communities within the co-op’s service
area.
One of the most successful community welfare efforts undertaken by Washington EMC is the Operation Round Up program. With the possible participation of nearly more than 15,000 accounts, the money raised through Operation Round Up has the potential to make an overwhelming difference for the less fortunate in communities throughout the cooperative’s ten-county service area, including Baldwin, Emanuel, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Johnson, Laurens, Warren, Washington and Wilkinson counties.
Operation Round Up®
Operation Round Up is a community development program funded by the voluntary contributions
of Washington EMC customers to the Washington Electric Foundation. Contributions
are made to the foundation when participants elect to have their monthly electric
bill rounded up to the next dollar. For example, a $70.55 electric bill would result
in a total charge of $71.00 and a $.45 donation to the foundation fund. On average,
donations will be about 50 cents per month or $6.00 per year. Since Operation Round
Up contributions are tax deductible, in January of each year a total annual contribution
amount will be provided for your tax records.
Charitable donations are made by the foundation to worthy projects and needs within the ten-county Washington EMC service area. Organizations can apply to the foundation's seven-member board of directors, who award funds quarterly based on the worthiness of each application and available funds. These organizations can also apply on behalf of individuals residing within the ten-county area. One hundred percent of funds collected are returned to the community through donations from the foundation. Download an application for funding (pdf).
How Do I Sign Up?
Operation Round Up is a voluntary program. You may elect to add or remove an account
from the program at any time. Simply let us know that you would like to participate
by completing the form below or contacting a Washington EMC customer service representative
by telephone. You will find an Operation Round Up contribution amount on each electric
bill, telling you the amount of each month's contribution. Watch for updates on
funded projects in The LAMPLIGHTER, our monthly newsletter, in local newspapers
or on our Web site.
Click HERE to add or remove your account
from this program.
Who Decides Where The Money Goes?
A unique feature of Operation Round Up is the Washington Electric Foundation Board.
Appointed by the EMC Board of Directors, this group of 7 volunteer board members
determine, by objectively reviewing applications and considering available funds,
which community needs or projects are funded. Each member of the Foundation Board
is selected because of their leadership and involvement in their community, making
them uniquely knowledgeable of the needs of all of the communities in Washington
EMC area. From bankers and educators to retired business executives and civic leaders,
the diverse backgrounds and knowledge of our foundation board ensures the fair and
proper funding of projects. View a representative list
of organizations receiving funding.
Chris Irwin, Chairman
Sandersville, GA 31082
Murray Dukes, Vice Chairman
Bartow, GA 30413
Frances Lattimore, Sec. Treas.
Milledgeville, GA 31061
Eric Murray
Tennille, GA 31089
Wendy Norris Purvis
Warrenton, GA 30828
Mary Jo Stephens
Wrightsville, GA 31096
Trudy Trawick
Sparta, GA 31087
Contact Wendy Sellers at (478) 552-2577 for additional information about Operation Round Up.
