OEC Foundation board grants over $41,000 to local organizations, families

The OEC Foundation, Inc. board of directors met Dec. 3 to review applications submitted by individuals and organizations for the Operation Round Up® (ORU) program. A total of $41,254 was approved for disbursement to 22 organizations and families.

The board granted $10,000 to the Maguire Community Foundation in Noble to help replace household items for victims of disasters, and $7,500 to American Red Cross Central and Southwest Oklahoma for funds to assist victims of natural disasters and house fires.

Other grant recipients included Amber Volunteer Fire Department ($3,000 for radios and communication equipment), Big Brothers Big Sisters ($3,000 to assist with group activities and restock activity boxes in partner schools), Grady County Foster Care ($2,500 for Christmas gifts for children in foster care), Chickasha Police Department ($2,000 for safety equipment), McClain County Operation Christmas ($2,000 for food and toys for children at Christmas), Norman Christmas Day Community Dinner ($1,500), and Mission Norman ($1,200 for a computer and monitor).

Twelve individuals received grants providing dentures, eye exams and glasses.

"We are always grateful for the generosity of the thousands of OEC members who make it possible to help their neighbors throughout the holiday season," said Alan Davenport, OEC Foundation board president.

Contact Education and Outreach Programs Director Tory Tedder-Loffland at ORU@okcoop.org or 405-217-6726 for questions regarding the program or application process.