Midwest Electric recently donated $15,000 to 24 west-central Ohio charities and community projects through the cooperative’s Community Connection Fund.

Thanks to the 90% of members who round up their electric bill and donate to this fund, Midwest Electric has provided $1.4 million to local charitable causes since 1998.

The latest CCF grant recipients include:

• St. Marys Soccer Club; $500 to purchase soccer balls.
• St. Marys Middle School; $500 to purchase books for the "Riders are Readers" initiative.
• Auglaize County Council on Aging; $1,500 to buy aluminum handicap ramps.
• Ohio's Grand Lake Region; $500 to fund the new sign at the Grand Lake Region Visitor's Center.
• Motherhood Reclaimed Ministries; $500 to provide educational and wellness services for mothers.
• Auglaize County Crisis Center; $1,000 to provide services to survivors of domestic violence. 
• Mercy Unlimited; $1,000 to purchase a freezer for the food pantry.
• Auglaize County Public District Library; $500 to help fund the Makerspace project.
• Lake Improvement Association; $500 to construct a shelter house.
• St. Henry Stingrays Swim and Dive; $500 to upgrade equipment for swim meets.
• Bridges to Healing; $500 to provide outpatient mental health counseling.
• Choosing Life Pregnancy Center; $500 for online parenting classes and ultrasound supplies.
• C.A.L.L. Ministries; $750 for the weekend meal program.
• Celina Middle School Robotics Club; $500 to help start up the Robotics Club.
• Off the Streets Van Wert County; $1,200 to help with monthly rent for those who are homeless in Van Wert County.
• YMCA of Van Wert County; $300 to purchase two AEDs.
• YWCA of Van Wert County; $500 to purchase supplies for people living in the shelter.
• Ohio City Warrior Trail; $500 to purchase asphalt sealer to re-seal the path.
• Andrews House of Hope; $800 to purchase furniture and appliances. 
• Lima Area Tennis Association; $250 to support the summer tennis camp.
• Children's Hunger Alliance; $800 for the weekend meal program.
• Crime Victim Services; $250 to purchase a privacy window for the office.
• Church on the Rock; $800 to furnish the Solid Rock Youth room with furniture.
• Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic School; $350 to purchase STEM supplies.

The Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund is a voluntary charitable program.  Participating members monthly electric bills are rounded up to the next dollar, with the additional pennies deposited in the Fund.  A Board of Trustees, composed of nine cooperative members and separate from the Midwest Electric Board of Trustees, oversee the application and allocation process.

Individuals or organizations can obtain an application by contacting Midwest Electric aT 419-394-4110 or visiting midwestrec.com/community-connection-fund.