ELLSWORTH – Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS), recently awarded third-quarter grants to four nonprofits. The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved a $750 grant to Have a Heart, Inc. and three $1,000 grants to Our Neighbors’ Place, the Spring Valley Fire Department, and Staying Put, Inc. In addition, the Federated Youth Foundation, which is funded by abandoned capital credits, also awarded grants to Ellsworth Elementary School and Prescott Middle School. Ellsworth Elementary School was awarded a $1,500 grant and Prescott Middle School a $2,000 grant.

Have a Heart requested a grant to purchase materials for crafting, gardening, baking, and science experiments for its clients. Our Neighbors’ Place requested a grant to purchase fuel cards to assist their guests. The Spring Valley Fire Department will use the grant money to purchase four new pagers with chargers that will allow its members to be notified of emergency calls, and the Staying Put, Inc. grant will be used to include a second instructor for its Strong Bodies Fitness program. Ellsworth Elementary School will use the grant for its fifth annual Back to School Event to purchase necessary school supplies for students in need, and Prescott Middle School will use the grant to purchase iPads for the STEM department to help students gain hands-on technology-related experience flying drones.

“The grants requested in the third quarter represent diverse needs in our community. We are grateful to the PPCS members who participate in Operation Round Up^®, voluntarily rounding up their monthly energy bills and making the work of Pierce Pepin Cares possible,” said Nate Boettcher, PPCS’ president and CEO. “We are proud that over 70% of our members participate in Operation Round Up^®. Everyone in our community benefits from their generosity.”   

Pierce Pepin Cares is funded by PPCS members who participate in Operation Round Up^®, as well as direct donations. 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 Sept. 15.  

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services