Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Operation Round Up Board of Trustees held its third quarter meeting on Oct. 14. A total of $5,999.95 was donated to local charities, organizations and volunteer fire departments.

The Operation Round Up fund at FMCS started in 2003 and raises approximately $30,000 a year to support a variety of charitable, educational, community and youth-related programs and events. Here are two categories of recipients: organizations and individual FMCS members facing personal hardships due to circumstances beyond their control.

The applications for funding are considered on a quarterly basis. The funds are held separately from the FMCS operating accounts and are administered through its own Board of Trustees comprised of FMCS member volunteers. FMCS thank Marge Hamersly, Joni Osmundson, Darrell Ingvaldson, Joe Brown and Sandy Forstner for their commitment to this worthy program.

To be considered for the next round of disbursements, applications must be made no later than Dec. 31. Program guidelines and applications for Operation Round Up donations are available at www.fmcs.coop or by calling Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services.