ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — From life-saving equipment for a span of the Shenandoah River, integral transportation assistance for those in need, and even a horse to take those with various mental or physical challenges on rides along a path to healing, there is far-reaching impact in the latest round of giving for SVEC’s Operation Round Up. In total, about $32,000 will be dispersed.

Participation in Operation Round Up is voluntary and simple. Co-op members round up their bill to the next dollar every month, and that extra few cents, combined with a corporate contribution, collects in a pool of funds for Valley nonprofits. On average, a member will contribute about $6 a year.

The Operation Round Up Committee met in June to award organizations as described below. The final grant deadline for 2025 will be Wednesday, Oct. 1. Applications and information for members on how to round up their bill are available at svec.coop/ORU.

Augusta/Highland

Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry ($2,500): to support staff positions at Ruth’s WARM House, its transitional shelter for homeless women and children.

Dare to Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship Center ($2,500): to fund the acquisition of another horse for its program, which supports those impacted by various physical and mental challenges.

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Daughter of the Stars Cultural Center ($2,500): to fund a distinctive summer camp where middle school students design and build cigar box guitars — instruments with deep roots in American folk traditions — and learn to play traditional mountain music on their individually crafted instruments.

Living Legacy ($2,500): to provide nutritious meals five days a week for youth attending The Rec after school and during summer programs, while also teaching them age-appropriate meal preparation.

Page One ($2,500): for financial assistance and food pantry programs.

Stanley Volunteer Fire Department ($2,400): to purchase three pagers, the primary notification method for emergency incidents with the county’s Emergency Communications Center.

Rockingham

Silk Moth Stage ($2,500): for theater workshops in schools and libraries, connected to the themes of its fall performance.

Stone Haven ($2,500): to purchase materials for its new residential treatment program supporting women in their journey of healing from sexual exploitation.

Way to Go ($2,500): to enhance and expand its transportation services for low-income working families and individuals in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Shenandoah

Community Resources for Education and Wellness ($2,500): to further enhance the former Triplett School in Mount Jackson with additional programming, art supplies and a makerspace room.

Ferst Readers ($1,500): to purchase and mail books and literacy materials to children.

Winchester/Frederick/Clarke

Faithworks ($2,500): to fund a transportation assistance program to support households with car repair bills or other transportation-related expenses.

Family Promise ($2,500): to help parents pay for summer and/or after-school care for their children as part of its mission to serve those at risk of, or currently facing, homelessness.

John H. Enders Fire Company & Rescue Squad ($500): to purchase specialized water rescue tools to enhance response capabilities on the Shenandoah River and elsewhere.