(CUMMING, GA) The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation (Foundation) announced today that it will distribute more than $31,000 in grants to local charitable organizations and Georgia-certified teachers in schools within Sawnee EMC's service area. These funds are made possible by Sawnee EMC members who participate in the Operation Round Up program and the Sawnee Electric Foundation.

Operation Round Up allows members to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar, with the difference directed into the Sawnee Electric Foundation. All of the funds are then distributed through grants managed by the Foundation's volunteer Board of Trustees. On average, participating members contribute about $6/year.

The Foundation Board has approved a total of $21,549.40 for local charitable organizations and $9,555.35 for the Bright Ideas Program, which provides funding to support innovative programs and projects led by Georgia-certified teachers.

The grants for the 4th Quarter are as follows:

Charitable Organizations:

• Society of St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, Inc. – Christ Redeemer Conference
• Sleep In Heavenly Peace, Inc.
• Mentor Me – North Georgia, Inc.
• Lumpkin County Family Connection, Inc.
• Senior Services North Fulton, Inc.
• Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia, Inc.
• Children’s Development Academy, Inc.

Bright Ideas: Schools and Teachers:

• Midway Elementary School – Mary Catherine Adam
• Liberty Middle School – Laura Beiley
• Cumming Elementary School – Katie Felts and Temi Rogers
• Black’s Mill Elementary School – Kimberly Smith
• Kilough Elementary School – Kristi Bearden

Every month, around 14,500 Sawnee EMC members round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar. These small, yet impactful donations have allowed the Foundation to contribute over $4.7 million back to local communities since its inception in 2003.

To learn more about Operation Round Up Program and the Foundation, visit www.sawnee.coop/oru or contact Mandy Love, Director of Marketing, at 678-455-1579 or via email mandy.love@sawnee.coop.

About Sawnee EMC and the Sawnee Foundation 

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 200,000 accounts in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia.  The Sawnee Electric Foundation was created in 2003 with the mission of providing charitable donations within the Sawnee communities.  The Foundation exists to enhance the way of life for those in need, with financial assistance to selected charitable organizations. Sawnee always stands ready to meet the needs of its members and strives daily to live up to their motto…

“At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”.

_{This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.}