CUMMING, GA — The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation, the charitable arm of Sawnee EMC, is proud to announce a donation of $10,000 each to Heros of Forsyth County Sheriff, Inc. and Unseen Hands Ministries. These latest contributions have brought the Foundation’s total support for local food needs to $125,000 since November, reflecting its ongoing commitment to strengthening Forsyth County and the surrounding communities served by the Cooperative.

“On behalf of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, I want to sincerely thank the Sawnee EMC Foundation for their generous donation to our Holiday Hope program,” states Chief Joe Perkins, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. “This support will significantly strengthen our ability to serve at need senior citizens across Forsyth County; we are grateful for community partners like Sawnee who help us extend hope and dignity to those who need it most,” he further stated.

Additionally, this month and apart from the food bank donations, the Foundation also distributed:

• $28,328 in General Grants to twelve local nonprofit organizations, supporting a range of community services from youth programs to family assistance and literacy initiatives.
• $5,756.79 through Bright Ideas grants to four local teachers, enabling innovative classroom projects that might otherwise go unfunded. The Bright Ideas program awards up to $1,750 per teacher for creative educational initiatives.
• $16,494 to 34 Forsyth County Schools’ School Lunch Programs, ensuring students receive a hot lunch even after reaching their debt limit. This initiative, launched in 2019, helps children who may not have the means to purchase a hot meal, with funds distributed directly to schools based on need.

These funds are made possible in part through the generosity of Sawnee EMC members who participate in Operation Round Up each month. Members voluntarily choose to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar, with the extra change directed to the Foundation. These charitable gifts are not funded by members’ retail electric rates, but by voluntary contributions - demonstrating the power of small change to collectively make a big difference.

“Operation Round Up is a fantastic program that truly makes a difference in our local communities. The small contributions from our members have created a significant impact, allowing the Foundation Board of Trustees to support various charitable organizations and educational initiatives. It’s always heartwarming to see how these funds help those in need and enrich our community,” said Mandy Love, Sawnee EMC Associate Vice President of Member Services.

About Sawnee EMC and the Sawnee Electric Foundation

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 203,500 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/owners. SEMC 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.}