Operation Round Up® was implemented in 2002 to reflect the cooperative’s seventh co-op principle; Concern for Community and it has done just that. Since the program’s inception, over $150,000 has been given back to our local communities with member donations averaging only $6 per year.
This year all existing and new members were enrolled into the program. Operation Round Up® is a voluntary program and members have the option to opt out, however, this small change adds up creating a lasting impact on multiple organizations from Warrens to Reedsburg and all towns in between. In 2023 alone, $48,600 has been given back to communities through fire departments, EMS, food pantries, non-profit organizations, youth programs and schools.
“On behalf of the Operation Round Up Directors: Pat Christensen, Allen Bernhardt, Sue Rezin, Sandy Chroninger, Robin Hiles, Tammy Burdick and me, Colleen Woggon, we sincerely thank the Oakdale Electric members for your support of this crucial program,” stated Operation Round Up® Board Chairperson Colleen Woggon. She added, “By rounding up your bill to the nearest dollar, a little can go a long way in our ability to help more organizations and more members across five counties.”
The Parenting Place is an Operation Round Up® donation recipient and operates out of three locations – Tomah, Sparta, and La Crosse. The non-profit supports any adult caring for children by providing free programming such as support groups, classes, professional support for childcare providers, a free diaper bank for any family in need, and much more. Weekly groups are available like Play Group, Muscles in Motion, and Parent Connection programs for parents and children to build relationships and are all free because of donors. An anonymous parent reflected on her experience, “I have met so many great people and have become great friends with these moms and some of the staff members! Coming to Parent Connection helps me learn so much about different parenting styles and I can get great advice on issues I’m having!”
The Parenting Place staff often hear from parents how the play groups aid in preparing their kids for school. Another parent shared that prior to coming to play groups her son was very shy, making her nervous about the transition to school. However, by coming to the weekly Play Group her son was able to make friends and come out of his shell. To their surprise he already had a friend on the first day of school because of Play Group!
All the programs are free to participate in due to grants and donations. “Thank you to everyone who participates in Operation Round Up®, you are making a difference in the lives of Monroe County families,” stated Director of Donor Engagement Kassie Miller. For more information about The Parenting Place, visit www.theparentingplace.net.
Entering their 26th year of charitable service, Reedsburg Area Helping Hands (RAHH) is a non-profit that serves the Reedsburg Area School District. The volunteer run organization provides various programs such as the school start, Easter/Spring, milk/lunch money, emergency clothing, and Christmas program. In their first year, RAHH served 70 families and 170 children. Twenty-five years later at Christmas 2022, they served 500 children and 202 families.
Rita Mead has been with RAHH since the very beginning and currently holds the President position for the past 10 years. One year around Christmas time, her granddaughter and her went shopping for a girl who was requesting under garments. “My granddaughter came to me with a mitten in hand and tears in her eyes saying that no child should have to ask for underwear for Christmas,” stated Mead. So, they left the store with a whole new outfit for the young girl. Since then, surrounding businesses like the medical center, participate in underwear and toy drives to fund more for the community through RAHH.
Support from Reedsburg area businesses, volunteers, and donations from Operation Round Up® is how RAHH can provide and care for children. Sometimes, it takes a whole village to raise a child and RAHH is a strong role model for that. Rita Mead concluded with, “We see a lot of children who have never had anything brand new and whether it’s a new backpack, mittens, or a stuffed animal, they leave with a smile that warms our hearts knowing every second of hard work is worth it.”
For more information about Reedsburg Area Helping Hands, visit www.reedsburgareahelpinghands.org.