Paulding Putnam Members Donate $11,020 to 9 Local Organizations

Putnam County Council on Aging - $600 donation for power washer for chore program - L-R - Chore workers Eric Morman, Mark Geckle, and Mike Bruns

Members of Paulding Putnam recently donated $11,020 to 9 local charities and community projects through the cooperative’s Operation Round Up program.

Thanks to the 80% of members who round up their electric bill and donate to this fund, Paulding Putnam has provided more than $765,432 to northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana communities since 2010.

Executive Director Ashley Bultemeier - United Way of Van Wert County - ORU donation $500 for Day of Caring 2025Participating members round up their monthly electric bill to the next dollar, with the extra pennies being used to help fund charities and groups in their communities. Each quarter, the funds are dispensed to local causes that applied for funding.

The most recent donation recipients include:

  • Antwerp Local Schools: $1,500 to purchase an embroidery machine for the transitions class innovation center.
  • Caring and Sharing Food Pantry (Paulding): $1,420 to purchase 2 tables and 16 chairs for the pantry’s community room.
  • Community Revitalizing Paulding (CoRP): $1,000 to fund 2 signs for marking the Paulding Downtown Historical District.
  • First United Methodist Church (Van Wert): $1,000 to purchase school Van Wert United Methodist Church - Operation Back to School event 2025 - served over 850 kidssupplies and personal hygiene items for their Operation Back to School program that supports preschool through 12th grade.
  • Lima Symphony Orchestra: $1,500 for the Young People’s Concert for area students.
  • Paulding County Fall Festival: $2,500 to have bounce houses at the festival.
  • Putnam County Council on Aging: $600 to purchase a power washer for the Chores Services program.
  • United Way of Van Wert County: $500 to support the Day of Caring event.
  • Vantage Career Center: $1,000 to support their Toss-A-Toy program where they purchase Christmas Gifts for local children.

Putnam County Council on Aging - $600 for power washer - Chore Supervisor Mike GeorgePhotos of each recipient can be found on Paulding Putnam's Facebook page.

Operation Round Up was started in 2010 as a way to give back to Paulding Putnam’s communities. Groups in both Ohio and Indiana can apply.

Organizations can apply for Operation Round Up assistance by contacting Paulding Putnam’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Samantha Kuhn,  or visiting our Operation Round Up page. If you want to participate by rounding up your monthly bill, call Paulding Putnam’s office at (800) 686-2357. The average member’s donation is about $6 per year.