The Wood County Electric Charitable Foundation (WCECF), through donations to Operation Round Up, recently granted $65,573 to seven deserving non-profit organizations.

Since its founding six years ago, the WCECF has granted over $727,000 distributed among 91 local charitable organizations within Wood County Electric Cooperative’s 9-county service territory.  

With the most recent grant distribution cycle, the following non-profit organizations will embark on these significant projects. 

The Texas Ramp Project - Awarded $5,000 to support their mission of establishing and bolstering regional wheelchair ramp-building programs across Texas. Their work provides free ramps to elderly and disabled clients in need, constructed entirely through the efforts of volunteer labor from individuals, local service clubs and churches. The grant will support ramps in communities served by Wood County Electric Co-op.

Alba Volunteer Fire Dept. - Received $17,500 to acquire much-needed radio equipment to enhance safety and communication among the firefighters.

Help A Child Benefit - Granted $10,000 to assist local foster children through scholarships, and to provide financial aid to the Scottish Rite Hospital and the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center.

Winnsboro ISD Education Foundation - Awarded $8,400 to support teacher grants, STEM action kits and the installation of a book vending machine.

Lake Fork Stables - Received $5,000 for the construction of restrooms and septic system. Their programs include a riding school, therapeutic riding lessons and a horse-powered reading program that tailors reading and comprehension activities to the needs and age of each student.

Fouke Community Center - Awarded $4,673 to assist with the installation of an HVAC system, building repairs and the purchase of playground equipment in this Hawkins area resource.

Wood County Healthcare Foundation - Granted $15,000 to support phase II of the development of the Memory Health Life Center, benefiting those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers.

Trey Teaff, the foundation’s executive director, said “I am immensely proud of the generosity of our members who continue to provide significant enrichment to our region through Operation Round Up. No member enrolled in Operation Round Up gives more than $11.88 a year, and it never ceases to amaze me what the community receives in return. The grants are clear evidence of what can be achieved when there is a cooperative effort and shared commitment.” 

Non-profits within the 9-county service territory served by WCEC are eligible to apply for grants. Grants are awarded twice a year in the spring and fall. Deadline for applications for the next grant cycle is March 22, 2024 and available at WCEC.org. 

Operation Round Up - WCEC members who participate in ORU, allow their monthly bill to be rounded up to the next dollar, with the money going to local charitable community endeavors. The average cooperative member donates about $6 annually. As money is collected through ORU, it is sent to a separate non-profit, the WCECF.