Pennies add up to great things at Mountain View Electric Association Inc. Through the generosity of members who round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar, MVEA is able to give about $150,000 back to the community each year. The Operation Round UpÆ program was formed to assist nonprofit organizations, community special needs and MVEA members who have suffered a loss, personal disaster†or medical emergency.In total, the assistance program has distributed more than $2.1 million back into the community since 2000.Operation Round Up® is administered by a volunteer, independent board of directors who distribute funds according the policies.†The board of 12 meets bi-monthly to evaluate applications and determine the distribution of funds. ìEach of us study the applications thoroughly, and hope to assist these individuals to survive difficult times. The fund contributes regularly to food banks and community needs, which benefit many,î said Janet Bailey, Operation Round UpÆ vice president.Round Up recently contributed $5,000 to the Calhan Lionís Club to benefit the Pikes Peak Community Action Agencyís Kids Spree, an organization that provides a safe shopping experience for underserved kids in need of appropriate clothing and school supplies.In addition to nonprofit donations, Operation Round UpÆ aims to serve the needs of MVEA members dealing with temporary unforeseen financial situations. The fund provides support to pay rent, repair automobiles or pay medical bills. One-hundred percent of the funds are used for the benefit of the members, and are not used to pay electric bills or for political or religious purposes.MVEA does not require members to participate in Operation Round Up®. By choice, members generously give by rounding up their electric bill to the nearest dollar. The total donation is less than $12 a year and is tax deductible. Currently, 56 percent of MVEA members participate. ìIf everyone who is a member of Mountain View Electric Association would round up their bill, we would be able to assist even more individuals and worthwhile communityneeds,î Bailey said.If you are a MVEA member or nonprofit organization, and would like assistance through Operation Round Up®, visit http://mvea.coop to download an application.If you are a member who would like to opt in to round up your electric bill to the nearest dollar, visit http://mvea.coop to complete the short electronic agreement, or call 719-495-2283.Mountain View Electric Association, headquartered in Limon, Colorado, is a nonprofit member-owned electric cooperative celebrating 75 years of providing member-first electric service to more than 43,000 members in a 5,000-square-mile territory. An operations center for MVEA is in Falcon.
