Pioneer Electric Cooperative is proud to announce that its Operation Round Up program has awarded a grant to support McKenzie School in enhancing their outdoor lunch area. The grant of up to $10,000 will cover the cost of umbrellas and concrete pads for the school’s picnic tables, ensuring students and staff have a shaded, comfortable place to enjoy their meals.

Nikki Crum, vice principal of McKenzie School, expressed gratitude for the grant. “This contribution from Pioneer Electric has made a huge difference for our students. Having shaded areas in our outdoor space allows us to extend our dining capacity while offering students a pleasant and safe environment to eat and relax.”

The Operation Round Up program is funded by the cooperative’s members who voluntarily round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar, with the extra change supporting local community projects. Through this initiative, Pioneer Electric Cooperative gives back to the communities it serves by funding projects that improve the quality of life for members, like helping schools meet students’ basic needs.

“Supporting education and fostering community growth is a core value of our cooperative,” said Christi Scruggs, Pioneer Electric Cooperative’s Vice President of Communications. “By helping to create a more functional space for meals at McKenzie School, we’re investing in the well-being of the students and contributing to their positive learning environment.”

The new umbrellas have already been installed, allowing McKenzie School students to immediately benefit from the improved outdoor lunch area. The school is evaluating the best location for the concrete pads, and they will be installed soon.

The Operation Round Up program is just one of the many ways Pioneer Electric gives back to local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2021, the Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to individuals and organizations. More information about Operation Round Up is available at www.pioneerelectric.com/operation-round.