MiEnergy Cooperative members give $7,000 in local donations

Cresco, IA | Rushford, MN (7:30 p.m. March 25, 2025)— MiEnergy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Trust Board met recently and elected to donate $7,000 to the following local organizations:

• $500, American Legion Post 467, Spillville, Iowa, to replace steps at the Veterans Memorial Bandstand.
• $500, Bundles of Love, Chatfield, Minn., to provide newborn essentials for new families in need.
• $500, City of Whalan, Whalan, Minn., to rebuild the city park and ball field.
• $500, Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum, Burr Oak, Iowa, to restore and upgrade the Burr Oak Mercantile.
• $500, Nodine Fire and Rescue, Dakota, Minn., to purchase rechargeable LED scene lighting.
• $500, Pickwick Fire and Rescue, Inc., Winona, Minn., to replace and upgrade fire station lighting.
• $500, Ridgeway Rural Fire Department, Ridgeway, Iowa, to purchase firefighter turn out gear.
• $500, St. Lucas Firefighters Association, Inc., St. Lucas, Iowa, to purchase a new pumper truck.
• $500, VFW Post 4561 & Auxiliary 4561, Cresco, Iowa, to repair and replace the VFW hall roof.
• $500, Wilson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Winona, Minn., to purchase a ladder for hanging hoses.
• $400, South Bear School, Decorah, Iowa, to purchase a portable restroom.
• $400, Street Scapes, Caledonia, Minn., to add a military rock in the community to honor veterans.
• $300, Scouts SA Troop 49, Lanesboro, Minn., to purchase new camp cooking equipment.
• $250, Big Canoe Lutheran Church – Hands of Hope, Decorah, Iowa, to purchase batting for quilts.
• $250, Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Minn., to purchase batting and fabric for quilts.
• $200, Porter House Museum, Decorah, Iowa, to replace the boiler system.
• $200, Spring Grove Syttende Mai, Spring Grove, Minn., to purchase a Square Reader and iPad.

Operation Round Up is funded by donations made by members of MiEnergy Cooperative who voluntarily have their electric bill round up to the next dollar. The average donation is $6 per year, 2,400 MiEnergy members participate and 100% of the funds generated are granted to local organizations.

The program is based on the idea that small change adds up. Currently, the program gives approximately $16,000 each year to local organizations.

The Operation Round Up Trust Board, made up of MiEnergy members, chooses where the funds get donated, and the amount of the donation based on an application process. The trust board members include Neil Broadwater, of Winona; Dan Dietzenbach, of Fort Atkinson; Beth George, of Houston; Sandy Gronwoldt, of Riceville; Roy Kryzer, of Lewiston; Dennis Ostwinkle, of Decorah; Teresa Ross, of Hokah; Tom Tibor, of Minnesota City; and Jay Wheelock, of Fountain.

Donations to Operation Round Up are tax deductible. Organizations receive grants through an application process. The next application deadline is August 15. To learn more about Operation Round Up or to round up your electric bill, visit www.MiEnergy.coop or call 1-800-432-2285.