I would like to bring your attention to one of my favorite charitable causes - Operation Round Up.

It started as a simple idea 27 years ago at one co-op in South Carolina. Just round up each participant's electric bill to the next dollar, and then use it to do good work in your community.  Today, hundreds of electric co-ops throughout the country, including Santee Electric Cooperative (SEC), use this idea to help members and organizations close to home.

All co-ops adhere to the seven cooperative principles, including Concern for Community. The Operation Round Up program is the perfect embodiment of this core principle. The average co-op member donates $6 per year. This may not seem like a large amount, but when combined with that of thousands of other generous members, it adds up to make a significant impact.

Each co-op decides how they want to operate the program. SEC's program, like many others, is governed by a board of volunteers that is different from the board of directors for the electric co-op. That way, this group can focus solely on the charitable needs of the community. 

Over the years, millions of dollars have been collected and distributed for a wide range of activities. This can include helping a family in need after a house fire, assisting the local food pantry, providing funds so the local fire department can get a needed piece of equipment, or dozens of other humanitarian efforts that bring electric co-ops even closer to the communities we serve.

While the great majority of our membership already participates in this wonderful program, there is always room for more. Nothing would please me more than to have 100 percent participation at SEC. I cannot think of a better return on your charitable investment. After all, what other charity allows you the heart-warming sensation of knowing you helped your neighbors so much … for $6 a year?

Santee Electric Cooperative is pleased to offer Operation Round Up. We welcome your participation and thank all participating members for showing their Concern for Community, too! If you would like to sign up, please call 1-800-922-1604 and a customer service representative will be happy to help you. 

Rob Ardis
President and Chief Executive Officer