WCEC Members Give Back to Local Non-Profits
One of the founding principles in the cooperative world is Concern for Community. While focusing on our members’ needs, we strive to work for the betterment of our communities. Two programs that carry out this principle are Operation Round Up which powers the WCEC Charitable Fund and the CoBank Sharing Success grant program.
Sharing Success Grant Program
WCEC has partnered with CoBank since 2012 in awarding funds to local charities through the Sharing Success matching grant program.
CoBank is one of the largest private credit providers to the U.S. rural economy. With more than $125 billion in assets, the bank delivers loans, leases, and other financial services to agribusiness, rural infrastructure, and Farm Credit customers in all 50 states. Like many electric cooperatives, WCEC is a partner/borrower with CoBank.
The grant program allows both the cooperative and the lending facility to invest in the quality of life throughout the WCEC service territory.
The 2023 recipient of the CoBank Sharing Success grant is Wharton County Youth Fair. CoBank awarded the youth organization $10,000. WCEC matched those funds bringing the total donation to $20,000.
Operation Round Up
Operation Round Up gives WCEC members a way to join together to give back to the community. Members voluntarily round up their bills to the nearest dollar, and the extra change goes into the WCEC Charitable Fund. It is then donated to non-profit organizations on the members’ behalf.
Organizations must have 501(c)3 status to receive funds and provide services that benefit individuals or families in the WCEC service territory.
Since 2003, through Operation Round Up, our members have given over $300,000 back to local organizations. For more information about Operation Round Up, visit MyWCEC.coop/RoundUp or call our office at 979-543-6271.
Charitable Fund Recipients
January - May 2023
Gift of Adoption is a non-profit organization providing financial assistance to complete domestic and international adoptions. Funds donated through the WCEC Charitable Fund are held to support the adoption of a child into a family living in the WCEC service area. If you are facing a financial hurdle in your adoption journey and live in Wharton, Matagorda, or Colorado County, please visit giftofadoption.org/apply-for-a-grant for more information.
The Crisis Center is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization that provides shelter and support to victims of family violence, child abuse, and sexual assault in Matagorda and Wharton Counties. The center offers a 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 1-800-451-9235. Find out more about its services at crisiscnt.com.
Blessing Cup Storehouse is located at 507 Bruns in El Campo and offers assistance to the needy in the way of food, clothing, and other essentials. The storehouse can be reached at 979-543-8203.
Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking is a nonprofit group that works passionately to bring awareness, education, training, and victim services to help combat both labor and sex trafficking. Funds received from the WCEC Charitable Fund will be used for education and awareness programs in the WCEC service territory.
Boys & Girls Club of El Campo is located at 713 Fahrenthold in El Campo and offers after-school and summer programs for area youth. The club can be reached at 979-543-8320. Find out more about its services at bgcelcampo.org.
Helping Hands Ministry is a local 501(c)3 organization that serves to help the economically disadvantaged. For more information, email astrarup@yahoo.com.
Manna Meals is located at 500 Foerster in El Campo and is an all-volunteer organization whose goal is to minister to people who may struggle to put food on the table and/or need fellowship at no cost to the individual. Hot meals are served each Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
100 Club of Wharton County is a volunteer, nonprofit organization committed to giving back to the men and women in local law enforcement. Find out more about the club at 100clubwc.org. El Campo Art Association operates The Art Center at 201 W. Monseratte in El Campo bringing local artists together for mutual inspiration and advancement. It strives to educate others and maintain an artistic presence in the community. The center can be reached at 979-543-0911.
Texana Center is a 501(c)3 public, not-for-profit, organization that provides behavioral healthcare and developmental disabilities services. The center operates a Learning Center at 123 First in El Campo. Find out more about the center’s services at texanacenter.com.
Wharton County Cares is a volunteer, nonprofit organization committed to supporting cancer patients in Wharton County.