South River EMC’s Community Assistance Corporation (CAC) awarded $49,500 in grants to local educational programs and non-profit organizations through Operation Round Up in December.

The following non-profit organizations received grants for $5,000: Disabled American Veterans-Chapter 74; Life Line of Sampson County, Inc.; and Sampson County Partnership for Children. Also receiving grants for $3,500 are Wade Community Fire Dept. and Janice Faye’s Ranch Inc.

The following educational institutions also received grants; Central Carolina Community College Foundation, Inc., $7,500; New Life Uplifted School, Inc., $10,000; and Hobbton Middle School, $10,000.

“Operation Round Up is able to help brighten the season for many community organizations,” said VP of Member Services & PR. “Since 2007, our members have been donating a few cents a month, which when combined with other members’ contributions adds up to a significant investment in our community. With this recent distribution, our program has funded $3.3 million in grants.”

Operation Round Up is a voluntary program that enables members of South River EMC to round up their electric bill to the next whole dollar. For example, if a bill is $205.15, the bill rounds up to $206 and the extra 85¢ is deposited into the Community Assistance Corporation fund.

The amount donated through Operation Round Up every month amounts to no more than $6 a year, that small change added to others’ contributions makes big changes in the community.

South River EMC accepts and reviews applications on a quarterly basis. The next deadline for applications is February 19 by 5 p.m. Applications, including guidelines, can be found online at sremc.com. Please note, handwritten applications are not accepted, and an online application is required.

South River EMC is a locally owned and operated electric cooperative, which provides electric service to 48,000 homes, farms and businesses in parts of Harnett, Cumberland, Sampson, Johnston and Bladen counties.