ELLSWORTH –Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS), recently awarded first-quarter grants to four local non-profits. The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved $1,500 grants to the Ellsworth Gift Box Program, Basics for Local Kids, the Assistance and Resource Center (ARC), and the Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties.

Basics for Local Kids requested a grant to support two of its programs: purchasing winter wear for children in sizes that aren’t donated and the kids in crisis emergency transition program. ARC’s grant will be used for direct client housing support. The Gift Box Program grant will be used to bridge the shortfall between the number of families who apply and the number of sponsors. The Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties will use the grant money to purchase equipment needed for physicians to dictate exam notes.

“One of our core cooperative principles is Concern for Community. Operation Round Up

is a vibrant example of that principle,” said Nate Boettcher, PPCS’ president and CEO. “We are proud that over 70% of our members show their concern for community by participating in Operation Round Up Their generosity benefits everyone in our community.”

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.

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.

Submitted by PCPS

Ellsworth Gift Box Program was awarded $1,500 to assist in purchasing gifts for families. Pictured (from left) are Josie Pechacek, Taryn Baker, Juliana Winger, Morgan Kolodzienski, and Charity Lubich, PPCS vice president, of member relations and human resources. Photo courtesy of PPCS

Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties received a $1,500 grant for the purchase of dictation equipment. Pictured (from left) are Dr. Bob Johnson, medical director; Charity Lubich (PPCS), Mary Steele, clinic manager; and Jena Most, nursing supervisor. Photo courtesy of PPCS

Kim Johnson (center), executive director of Basics for Local Kids, received a $1,500 grant for the purchase of winter wear and kids in crisis programs. Pictured with Johnson are Barb Bee (left), PPCS senior accountant, and Charity Lubich, PPCS vice president, member relations and human resources. Photo courtesy of PPCS