This fall, Nobles Cooperative Electric members once again made a meaningful impact through Operation Round Up. Thanks to the generosity of members who choose to round up their monthly bills, $21,300 in grants were awarded across Nobles and Murray counties. These projects strengthen our cooperative spirit — supporting safety, education, youth, seniors, families, and community programs.

Supporting Youth & Education

This round of funding helped classrooms, clubs, and youth programs thrive:

• Buffalo Ridge Young Marines – $1,000 for uniforms and leadership training

• MCC FFA Ag Boosters – $1,000 for student participation and scholarships

• Murray County 4-H – $1,500 for program supplies

• MCC Drama Department – $650 for audio and costume updates

• MCC Third Grade – $575 for flexible seating

• City of Ellsworth – $1,600 for ADA-compliant swing seats

• City of Lake Wilson – $1,000 to replace playground swings

• Slayton Public Library – $500 for a new board game and puzzle lending collection

Caring for Seniors & Families

Support for organizations serving older adults and families included:

• Brewster Senior Dining – $1,100 for meal delivery

• Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota – Murray County Meals – $1,500 for senior meals

• Nobles County Toys for Tots – $1,000 for holiday gifts

• Murray County Food Shelf – $800 for a refrigerator/freezer

Community Safety & Emergency Services

Grant dollars also helped strengthen local emergency and volunteer services:

• Murray County Ambulance – $1,100 for a commercial washer/dryer for EMS gear

• Slayton Fire Department – $1,200 for life jackets

• Wilmont Fire & Rescue – $800 for pagers and traffic control gear

Preserving Community Spirit & Local Heritage

Funding also supported events, heritage projects, and local organizations:

• Fulda Area Lakes Association – $1,250 for metal lake signage

• Slayton Chamber of Commerce – $1,400 to support Pumpkinfest

• Nobles County Historical Society – $875 for a large-format printer

Comfort Through Quilts & Kindness

Local quilting groups continue to warm our region with handmade care. Each of the following groups received $350 for materials such as fabric, batting, and quilting supplies:

• American Lutheran Church

• Chandler Area Quilters

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

• Immanuel Lutheran Church Quilters

• Lake Sarah Quilters

• Sillerud Quilters and Friends

• St. Gabriel’s Quilters

At Nobles Cooperative Electric, we’re proud to see these funds support such meaningful efforts. Together, our members continue to power what matters — one rounded-up bill at a time.