Taking Care of Our Neighbors

OEC Foundation grants $10,000 to assist with dental care

The OEC Foundation in December approved $18,826 in grants to local organizations and families in OEC's service area — $10,000 earmarked for dental assistance for those in need through Oklahoma City's Neighborhood Services Organization.

"Through our Low-Cost Dental Clinic — the only one of its kind in Oklahoma — we offer affordable care to the uninsured or underinsured," said Stacey Ninness, president and CEO of NSO, citing devastating effects to the organization and its funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [5323100805]

In addition to NSO's $10,000 grant, the board approved $5,000 to the Center for Children and Families, Inc. for technology upgrades and $2,000 to McClain County Operation Christmas.

The board funded grants for hearing aids, dentures, a new mattress and eye care to a handful of individuals.

The grants were made possible thanks to the thousands of OEC members who elect to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar each month, donating the change to the Operation Round Up (ORU) program. Those interested may also enroll in ORU-PLUS to give above and beyond the rounded up amount. Visit www.okcoop. org/ORU for more information.