Midwest Electric recently donated $15,710 to 15 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 $1,332,279 to 1,126 local charitable causes since 1998.

The latest recipients of grants include:

• Children's Hometown Holiday, $1,000 towards the Christmas celebration in downtown Wapakoneta.
• Mercy Unlimited, Inc., $1,350 to purchase items to supply micro pantries.
• The Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities, $1,000 to purchase a shed to be used as a sensory friendly space at the Auglaize County Fair.
• Miracle Meal, $500 to provide a free Christmas meal at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds.
• St. Marys Middle School, $1,500 to purchase books for classroom libraries.
• New Knoxville Firefighters Association, $3,060 to purchase new pagers for the members.
• JTD Hospital Foundation, $1,000 to support the Grand Lake Rehab Parkinson Exercise program.
• Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association, $500 to support their Summer Fun Day Event.
• Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development, $300 to purchase two remote controlled bumper cars for children.
• The Delphos Canal Commission, $500 to purchase LED lights and wiring.
• Lima Symphony Orchestra, $1,250 to support the Young People's Concert.
• St. Anthony Dinner Theater, $1,000 to support families with medical needs.
• Venturelinx, $1,000 to repair the flooring in their box truck used to transport supplies.
• Mercer County D.A.R.E., $1,250 to support the D.A.R.E. program.
• St. Henry Summer Swim & Dive, $500 to purchase new timing equipment

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 1-800-962-3830 or visiting midwestrec.com/community-connection-fund.