Company’s Operation Round Up — where consumermembers voluntarily round their electric bills up to the next dollar to make a donation to the foundation. Money donated through the program supports schools, civic groups, charitable organizations, food pantries, fire departments, and more in communities throughout the co-op’s service territory. The program is inspired by the seventh cooperative principle, Concern for Community, which all electric cooperatives honor. Most co-ops around the state have similar programs and stories that give testament to coops’ devotion to that principle.
The Rothhaar Family Eastin Rothhaar, a sixth grader at Wynford Local Schools, received a life-changing gift, thanks to Attica-based North Central Electric Cooperative’s People Fund. Maple, a female golden retriever-Labrador mix, now serves as a service dog for Eastin, who is on the autism spectrum. The family needed to raise $15,000 to cover the cost of Maple from 4 Paws for Ability. North Central Electric Cooperative’s People Fund donated $3,000 to the worthy cause. Maple is trained to assist Eastin by providing calming and comforting interactions on the handler’s command. Maple can recognize a wide range of Eastin’s emotions, approach him, and cuddle or provide kisses for comfort.
First responders of the Highland County North JFAD and their South Central Power Company-provided hydraulic rescue tool.
The donation will help cover registration fees, uniforms, umpires, field maintenance, equipment, and more. With their registration fees covered, families won’t have to worry about getting turned away because of finances.
The Highland County North Joint Fire and Ambulance District The South Central Power Company Foundation also provided funds to the Highland County North Joint Fire and Ambulance District (HCNJFAD). The district used the money to purchase a new power unit and hightensile steel cutters, spreaders, and hoses, which enable the HCNJFAD to perform extractions on newer-model automobiles that are made with stronger materials. The district’s first responders put the new equipment to use just four days after it arrived, when they were called to assist at the scene of a motor vehicle accident — a rollover with heavy damage and entrapment. With the new apparatus, the team extracted the victim in only 12 minutes. The person survived after being flown by medical transport to a trauma facility. “Thanks to the generosity of South Central Power members, our capabilities will no longer be hampered by old, obsolete equipment when seconds matter,” says Assistant Chief Erica D. Hurless-Miller, Highland County EMS coordinator.
“This co-op isn’t just about providing electricity — it’s about people caring about other people,” says Sarah Rothhaar, Eastin’s mom. “When you round up on your bill, positive outcomes happen, just like with Eastin and Maple.”
Kenton Little League Kenton Little League’s motto is “No kid gets turned away,” so the league raises funds to cover the registration fees for children from families in need. Kenton Little League works to provide children and families a safe, healthy, and fun place to spend time together. The Community Fund, another member-funded charitable program — this one at Kenton-based MidOhio Energy Cooperative — awarded $1,000 to sponsor youth baseball players.
Mid-Ohio Energy helps the Kenton Little League ensure that every kid has a spot.
NOVEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5