Operation Round Up program A new year kicks off 2023’s

Carroll White REMC’s (CW REMC)

Operation Round Up Board of Trustees kicked off 2023 by awarding $11,700 to six non-profits from our service territory.

The Delphi Opera House received a $3,000 grant to assist in developing a variety of art enrichment programs designed to meet the greatest needs for educational activities in fine art, drama, creative writing, theater history and more.

“This has the potential for reaching hundreds of underserved youth from Carroll County and the surrounding area, while at the same time maximizing the use of a premier facility, the Delphi Opera House,” wrote grant writer, Barbara Mayfield. “This grant will also serve as a stepping stone to a larger grant for arts education from the National Endowment for the Arts.”

Members of the Art Enrichment Coalition are partnering with the Delphi Opera House’s Board of Directors on this program.

The Pfost-Jones Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1728 also received a $3,000 grant to assist in the renovation of their building. “There are individual, independent projects needing to be completed,” wrote grant writer, Kathleen Thompson. From the parking lot to the replacement of almost all of the flooring, the VFW needs an extensive overhaul.

“The Post and Auxiliary serve every veteran from Pulaski County,” wrote Thompson. “Post 1728 is an active partner in the Winamac-Pulaski County community, serving members and assisting local organizations in raising much-needed operating funds.”

Tri-County Summer Meals was awarded $2,500 to assist with providing breakfasts and lunches to any child aged 18 years and younger. “This program is designed to feed children who would not get a balanced meal during the summer, when school meals are not available,” wrote grant writer, Gina Anderson.

In 2022, this organization served 2,663 lunches and 1,877 breakfasts. They have been serving summer meals for the past 12 years.

A $1,500 grant was awarded to Camden-Jackson Housing to assist in purchasing an emergency generator for the housing community’s day room. “The day room building has a kitchen and restroom facilities, but no emergency power,” wrote grant writer, Cindy Wagoner. Twenty-four apartments are impacted by this project.

Brookston’s After School Experience (BASE) also received a $1,500 grant to assist in updating the education wing to serve the after-school program participants and preschool classes. “We will be able to make our classrooms, stations and learning areas more youth-friendly,” wrote grant writer and program director, Jamie Cook.

Approximately 50 school-age children and 25 preschool students utilize the space at the Brookston United Methodist Church.

West Central After-Prom Committee received a $200 grant to help provide a safe venue for students attending prom.

At the first meeting of the Operation Round Up Board of Directors in 2023, officers were elected. The board voted to keep the existing board in place for the new year. Trustee Kristin Miller will serve as chairman; Trustee Kathy Leman as vice chairman; Trustee Kathy Zink as secretary; and Trustee Paula Westfall as treasurer.