The wisdom of the adage that every penny counts can be confirmed in the annual La Plata Electric Association’s Round Up Foundation contribution to community organizations.

LPEA customers, individuals and businesses, who round up their monthly bill to the nearest dollar are the source of the funding.

In 2014, the foundation provided $121,132 to 58 beneficiaries: in education, $46,040; community service, $48,823; and emergency assistance, $26,269.

Many electric cooperatives across the country have formed similar foundations to support community needs.

In La Plata and Archuleta county communities served by LPEA, Round Up donations ranged from $265 to $5,000.

Round Up was formed in 1996, and the next year, it presented $1,000 to Manna Soup Kitchen. More than $1 million has been contributed in total.

Donors can sign up for Round Up at www.lpea.coop or by calling 247-5786.

daler@durangoherald.com