ELLSWORTH – Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Coop erative Services (PPCS), recently awarded third-quarter grants to two local non-prof its. The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved grants to the Lund Fire Department in the amount of $1,500 to assist with the purchase of ice rescue equipment and Chippewa Val – ley Council, Boy Scouts of America in the amount of $1,000 to support scouting activ – ities in Pepin County. Pierce Pepin Cares is funded by PPCS members who generous – ly round up their monthly energy bills to the nearest dollar through Operation Round Up, as well as direct donations.

A third grant in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to the Ellsworth Community School District for the purchase of school supplies for their annual drive. These funds were made available through Federated Youth Foundation which is funded by forfeited cap – ital credits and is used to support educational eorts.

"Over 70% of PPCS members participate in Operation Round Up," said Nate Boettch er, PPCS’ president and CEO. “We are ex- tremely thankful for their generosity and sup – port of programs that benefit everyone in our community." Pierce Pepin Cares provides charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations that oer programs and support projects to en – hance 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 Pe- pin Cares board of directors along with one PPCS member and one PPCS employee. Nonprofit organizations interested in apply – ing may visit www.piercepepin.coop or call 800-924-2133 for information. The next ap –

plication deadline is Sept. 15.

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services

Ellsworth School District was awarded $1,500 to assist in purchasing school supplies for their annual drive. Pictured (from left): Maggie Pechacek, Anne Pechacek, Quinn Emery, and Charity Lubich, PPCS vice president, member relations and human resources. Photo courtesy of PPCS

David Stein accepted a grant for $1,500 on behalf of the Lund Fire Department for the purchase of ice rescue equipment. Photo courtesy of PPCS

Chippewa Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, received $1,000 to support activities for the scout troops in Pepin County. Members of Troop 76 accepted the donation on behalf of the Chippewa Valley Council. Photo courtesy of PPCS