$64 in Grants Awarded to Local Non-profits

The board of directors of the
Wood County Electric Charitable Foundation recently met to consider grant disbursements to a host of charitable organizations that applied for funding. Eight local organizations, representing a broad cross-section of interests and demographics, were awarded $64,000 for projects and programs that serve the citizens of Wood County Electric Cooperative's 9-county service territory.
 
The WCECF is funded by WCEC members through Operation Roundup, whereby members donate pennies each month. When added together, these donations from across the cooperative's entire membership allow for a significant impact on the communities. The cumulative amount given to local groups since the first donation in 2017 has now reached $155,000.00.
 
The recipients of these most recent 8 checks, and the projects they will fund are: Grand Saline Public Library ($1,000) for outreach with a summer pop-up library; Winnsboro Center for the Arts ($1,000) to reduce performance costs; Children's Advocacy Center of Van Zandt County ($5,000) to fund child therapy for victims of neglect and abuse; Children's Miracle Network Hospitals ($5,000) to help with funding gaps for the medical care of children; Northeast Texas Choral Society ($10,000) to help purchase risers and a conductor platform; Communities in Schools of Northeast Texas in Titus and Franklin Counties ($16,000) to provide resources to make school more accessible and affordable for children and families; Hawkins ISD Education Foundation ($14,000) to award grants to teachers for implementation of innovative programs within the school district; and the Rotary Club of Winnsboro ($12,000) to help further completion of an accessible public playground to allow inclusion of children who have mobility or other challenges .
 
About these donations, Debbie Robinson, the Foundation's Executive Director said, "The Operation Round Up program is assisting our humanitarians, service groups and art support groups in furthering their work, which in turn adds richness to our communities. Every region needs vibrant groups like these, and each of these groups depend on donations and fundraising. Together, through their generosity, our members are ensuring all of this good work is achievable."

$12K in Scholarships Available for High School Seniors
 
Scholarship applications are being accepted now.  For 2019, WCEC is offering ten $1,000 scholarships for students attending college, and two $1,000 scholarships reserved for students enrolling in a trade or certificate program. To be eligible, applicants must be an area student and a dependent of an active WCEC member. Applications and eligibility requirements can be found at wcec.org under Programs and Sponsorships. The deadline to apply is April 5, 2019.
 
Attention High School Sophomores and Juniors


The April 12th deadline is fast approaching for students to apply for the East Texas Rural Electric Youth Seminar (ETREYS), to be held on June 24-28, 2019 at East Texas Baptist University, Marshall, TX.
 
This all expense paid trip is available to sophomores and juniors who are attending high school in the WCEC service area. While at ETREYS students will participate in workshops, seminars and peer group activities that range from leadership development to pure entertainment and each participating WCEC student has a chance to compete for $4,000 in scholarships.
 
WCEC is dedicated to the communities we serve and sending students to ETREYS is just another way to further that commitment. Students interested in applying should submit the application forms no later than April 12th. Applications are available online at www.wcec.org, from students respective High School Counselors, or by contacting Kylie O'Neal at 903-763-6550 or via e-mail at [email protected] .

 
In celebration of Texas Co-op Power's 75th Anniversary, one lucky WCEC member will win season passes for a family of five to Schlitterbahn.   
 
Get details and enter online at: https://www.texascooppower.com/local/wood
The contest ends April 10, 2019. 
 Safety Tips
 
Start Safe This Spring  
 
As spring approaches, many welcome the warm weather by thoroughly cleaning their homes and tending to yard work. The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) recommends that along with spring cleaning homeowners ensure electrical hazards are eliminated.
 
ESFI suggests starting with the garage, an important, but often overlooked space when it comes to fire safety. This room usually contains electrical distribution systems,one of the leading causes of home fires.
  • Check the label inside the door or cover of your electrical service panel to see when your electrical system was last inspected. If the date has passed or is approaching, contact a licensed, qualified electrician to schedule an inspection.
  • Be sure circuit breakers and fuses are correctly labeled with the amperage and the corresponding room, circuit, or outlet. Then, be sure to use the correct size and current ratings for breakers/fuses.
  • Increase your fire protection by having a licensed electrician replace your standard circuit breakers with arc fault circuit interrupters-AFCIs.
  • Make sure all fuel-burning equipment, such as furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces, are vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Check for excessive vibration or movement when the washing machine or dryer is operating. This can put stress on electrical connections.
  • Make sure the area around your dryer is clutter free and that the dryer lint filter is cleaned after each load. Lint build-up can be a fire starter.
  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test these alarms to ensure that they are in working order, and replace the batteries when needed.
 
For more safety tips visit our Safety & Consumer Tips
Energy Efficiency Tips 
 
Dishwasher Efficiency Tip: Air dry clean dishes to save energy. If your dishwasher does not have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse and prop the door open slightly so the dishes will dry faster.   
   
For more energy efficiency tips visit our Energy Savings Center .