This fall, Nobles Cooperative Electric members helped make a difference in our local communities through Operation Round Up! Thanks to the generosity of members who round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar, $21,300 in grants were awarded to organizations across Nobles and Murray counties. Each project supported helps strengthen the cooperative spirit — from safety and education to youth, senior, and community programs.
Supporting Youth & Education: Investing in our future leaders and learners is always a top priority. This round of funding helped classrooms, clubs, and community youth programs thrive: Buffalo Ridge Young Marines – $1,000 for uniforms, training, and leadership projects; MCC FFA Ag Boosters – $1,000 to support FFA student participation and scholarships; Murray County 4-H – $1,500 for programming supplies such as sewing kits and curriculum materials; MCC Drama Department – $650 for audio and costume equipment to enhance performances; MCC Third Grade – $575 for flexible seating to support focused learning; City of Ellsworth – $1,600 for ADA-compliant swing seats for children with disabilities; City of Lake Wilson – $1,000 to replace aging playground swings; and Slayton Public Library – $500 to start a board game and puzzle lending collection.
Caring for Seniors & Families: Operation Round Up continues to touch lives across generations — from seniors who rely on daily meals to families building stronger connections. Brewster Senior Dining – $1,100 for meal transportation and delivery to local seniors; Lutheran Social Service of MN – Murray County Meals – $1,500 to provide meals for low-income seniors; Nobles County Toys for Tots – $1,000 to purchase toys for local children in need; and Murray County Food Shelf – $800 for a new refrigerator/ freezer to store perishable items.
Community Safety & Emergency Services: Keeping our communities safe is essential — these grants help local responders and organizations stay ready when help is needed most. Murray County Ambulance – $1,100 for a commercial washer/dryer to clean EMS gear safely; Slayton Fire Department – $1,200 for life jackets for water-related incidents; and Wilmont Fire and Rescue – $800 for pagers and traffic control safety gear.
Preserving Community Spirit & Local Heritage: These projects celebrate what makes our small towns special — history, events, and local pride. Fulda Area Lakes Association – $1,250 for durable new metal signage around local lakes; Slayton Chamber of Commerce – $1,400 to help keep Pumpkinfest free and familyfriendly; and Nobles County Historical Society – $875 for a large-format printer for exhibits and signage.
Comfort Through Quilts & Kindness: Few things say “community care” like a warm, handmade quilt. These local quilting groups put their time and hearts into projects that comfort others near and far. American Lutheran Church – $350 for quilt-making supplies for relief and local outreach; Chandler Area Quilters – $350 for materials to make quilts for those in need; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – $350 for quilting materials; Immanuel Lutheran Church Quilters – $350 for fabric and batting for community and mission quilts; Lake Sarah Quilters – $350 for quilting supplies; Sillerud Quilters and Friends – $350 for batting rolls for seasonal quilt projects; and St. Gabriel’s Quilters – $350 for quilt backing and batting.
We’re proud to see these funds go toward such meaningful local efforts. Together, our members continue to “power what matters” — one roundedup bill at a time.
