Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative Donates Record $39K to Local Groups

The cooperative's 'Operation Round Up' program has grown since launching in 2018.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:05pm

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The Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) has donated a record-high $39,000 to 17 area organizations through its 'Operation Round Up' program, which allows members to round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar with the extra change going to local community groups. One of the recipients, The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, received $2,500 to help cover program costs for people with disabilities.

Why it matters

SVEC's donation program demonstrates the cooperative's commitment to supporting its local community, with the record-high donation showing how the 'Operation Round Up' initiative has grown since launching in 2018. The funding helps organizations like The Arc provide crucial services and transportation for people with disabilities.

The details

The 'Operation Round Up' program allows SVEC members to voluntarily round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar, with the extra change going to local community organizations. SVEC was able to donate a record-high $39,000 in the most recent cycle, up from the program's launch in 2018. The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County received $2,500 from the donation, which will help cover program costs like materials, transportation, and supplies for people with disabilities.

  • SVEC's 'Operation Round Up' program launched in 2018.
  • The latest donation cycle resulted in a record-high $39,000 donation.

The players

Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative

A regional electric cooperative that serves customers in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.

The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County

A nonprofit organization that provides services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area.

Angela Carter

Executive Director of The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Lydia Weaver

Community relations specialist with Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative.

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What they’re saying

“This will enable us to keep our vehicles on the road, transport site to site. We do a lot of community engagement and volunteerism, so this donation actually helps the entire community, not just our participants.”

— Angela Carter, Executive Director

“We believe in belonging, and the only way that you can do that is have people exposed to things outside of their normal everyday lives.”

— Angela Carter, Executive Director

“Operation Round Up is always supporting a variety of needs. Sometimes it's basic needs — like housing, shelter needs, electricity bills, helping pay rent — but it can also vary. We do a lot of transportation funding, like today, we're here at the Arc. They're funding for getting the individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities out into the community.”

— Lydia Weaver, Community relations specialist

“The remaining cents of your bill round up to the next dollar, and that small change adds up to a great impact when you've got thousands of members rounding up their bill. The average amount a person would spend per year is about $6 because it's usually just some change each month with your bill.”

— Lydia Weaver, Community relations specialist

What’s next

SVEC plans to continue the 'Operation Round Up' program, with the goal of expanding its reach and impact in the local community.

The takeaway

SVEC's 'Operation Round Up' program demonstrates how a small change from individual members can make a big difference when pooled together, allowing the cooperative to provide vital funding to local organizations like The Arc that support vulnerable members of the community.