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

Durand Fire Relief Association received $1,500 to update aging equipment; Assistance and Resource Center (ARC) received $2,000 to provide rent assistance; Pepin County Sheriff’s Office received $1,000 to purchase binoculars for squad cars; and Ellsworth Baseball/Softball Association received $1,000 to refurbish the Brown Baseball/Softball complex in Hager City.

Grants were also awarded through Federated Youth Foundation to Community Safety Net in the amount of $450 for children’s safety training and a sponsorship of $300 to the Northwest 4-H Golf Classic to support scholarships, out-state learning trips, and robotics programs.

“Concern for community is one of our core cooperative principles,” said Nate Boettcher, PPCS’ president and CEO. “These grants allow us to make a positive impact for Pierce and Pepin county residents with a broad range of concerns. We are grateful for the generosity of our members who participate in Operation Round Up.”

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 June 15.

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services

Photo courtesy of PPCS

Photo courtesy of PPCS

Ellsworth Baseball/Softball Association was awarded $1,000.00 to assist with refurbishing the Brown Baseball/Softball complex in Hager City with updates to the field and playground equipment. (From left): Pierce Pepin Cares board members Heidi Lindquist, Daniel Reis and Roger Wiff with Association representatives Kyra Johnson and Lydia Cole.