ELLSWORTH – Three local non-profits recently received grants from Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable arm of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS). Pierce Pepin Cares is funded by PPCS members who generously round up their monthly energy bills to the nearest dollar through Operation Round Up, as well as direct donations.

The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved grants to Basics for Local Kids in the amount of $2,500 to assist with the purchase of children’s winter wear and crisis necessities; Our Neighbor’s Place in the amount of $1,500 to purchase fuel-only gas cards to assist clients with transportation needs such as work and doctor’s appointments; and Ellsworth E3 Community Development Corp. in the amount of $1,000 to assist in furnishing and buying supplies for their new collaborative community suite.

“We are extremely thankful for the generosity of our members who participate in Operation Round Up and fund Pierce Pepin Cares,” said Nate Boettcher, PPCS’ president and CEO. “The grants awarded in this first quarter of 2022 will impact a wide range of citizens and address diverse needs in our community.”

Pierce Pepin Cares provides charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations that offer programs and support projects to enhance the quality of life for those within the communities served by PPCS. Pierce Pepin Cares grants are awarded quarterly by the Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors. All nine PPCS directors serve on the Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors along with one PPCS member and one PPCS employee. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying may visit www.piercepepin.coop or call 800-924-2133 for information. The next application deadline is March 15.

About Pierce Pepin Cares Pierce Pepin Cares is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services, an energy services cooperative located in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, offering electric utility services to homes and businesses. As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services is committed to being safe, accountable, innovative, and united, and is dedicated to helping its communities live better. For more information, call 800-924-2133 or visit www.piercepepin.coop.

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services

Our Neighbor’s Place received $1,500 to purchase fuel-only gas cards to assist clients with transportation needs. Pictured from left to right are Shelly Smith, ONP program coordinator, and Charity Lubich, PPCS vice president, member relations and human resources. Photo courtesy of PPCS

A grant for $1,000 was awarded to Ellsworth E3 Community Development Corp. to assist in furnishing and buying supplies for the new collaborative community suite. Pictured (from left) are Jay Nesseth, PPCS member relations manager, and Angie Whelan, trustee with the Ellsworth E3 board of trustees. Photo courtesy of PPCS

Basics for Local Kids was awarded $2,500 to assist in purchasing winter wear for children and emergency necessities for children in crisis. Pictured (from left) are Jay Nesseth, PPCS member relations manager, and Kim Johnson, BLK executive director. Photo courtesy of PPCS