By Herald Staff

Dubois REC's most recent Operation Round Up has enabled the company to disperse its most recent round of grants.

Northeast Dubois Intermediate School received a $1,000 grant to help fund a physical education program for students in grades 3-6.

Habitat for Humanity of Dubois County was awarded a $2,000 grant to help fund installation of electricity for a home being built through the Habitat for Humanity program.

The Jefferson Township Fire Department received a $1,100 grant to replace the drafting mechanism on each of their engines. This piece of equipment is what allows crews to connect to a hydrant or draft water from a portable tank. The current fitting being used is a storz type. These will be replaced with threaded fitting that should perform better than the current fittings.

Young Life received a $2,000 grant to purchase a new laptop for the Young Life staff. Young Life is program that helps positively impact the lives of teens and adolescents in the community through mentorship and programmed events.

Dubois REC members who participate in Operation Round Up allow their monthly electric bill to be “rounded up” to the next dollar. That spare change is placed in a community fund, overseen by a board of trustees, who are also Dubois REC members.

The trustees meet each quarter to review the requests for grants. Local community groups, nonprofits, fire departments, school programs and similar organizations can apply. Since the program began in 2011, $421,302.88 has been given back to the community.

If you are not participating, please consider joining the cause. Visit www.duboisrec.com, look under the “Community” menu for the “Operation Round Up > Opt-In” link. Fill out the short form and submit it to start “rounding up” your bill to help your community.