ELLSWORTH – Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) is proud to announce the recipients of the Pierce Pepin Cares grants for the second quarter of 2025. Pierce Pepin Cares is funded by PPCS members who participate in Operation Round Up^®, rounding up their monthly energy bill and donating the change. This quarter, grants have been awarded to five outstanding local organizations that are making significant contributions to our community:

1. Basics for Local Kids: Supports children in need with essential items, especially winter clothing.  This $1,000 grant will be used to help purchase winter clothing, especially in hard-to-find sizes.
2. Staying Put, Inc.: Offers services and support to help seniors live independently in their homes.  Their grant of $1,000 will be used to directly support key programs, volunteer driver reimbursement, client recruitment, and staff compensation.
3. Durand Fire Relief: Enhancing fire prevention and emergency response capabilities to improve community safety. This $500 grant will be used for new equipment and gear.
4. Spring Valley Fire Department: Strengthen fire prevention and emergency response efforts. Their $500 grant will help them purchase an extrication tool quick-adjust chain package.
5. Ellsworth Ambulance Service: Provides medical emergency services and responds to calls within specified response times. This $2,500 grant will help purchase a LUCAS III Chest Compression device.

Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services is committed to supporting local organizations that enhance the quality of life in our community. Through Pierce Pepin Cares, we aim to provide resources and support to those who are making a difference.

"We are honored to support these organizations that are dedicated to serving our community," said Nate Boettcher, president and CEO of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services. "Their efforts are invaluable, and we are proud to contribute to their missions. We are also grateful for our members who round up their monthly energy bill to make these donations possible."

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 PPCS serves. 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 June 15. 

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services