Broad River Electric Charities has provided 3,000 book bags to elementary students across the upstate of South Carolina. Over 40 schools and community centers in Spartanburg, Union and Cherokee Counties received book bags the week before the academic year began on August 20.
“There is a need for these backpacks and other supplies throughout our area,” explained Barbara Whitney, chair of the Broad River Electric Charities Board and a retired school administrator in Spartanburg County. “We wanted to help our children begin their school year equipped, not just with supplies, but with the knowledge that their community supports them.”
The funds used to purchase the packs came from the Operation Round Up® program, a Broad River Electric program in which the cooperative’s members round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The extra change accumulates into a benevolent fund that is distributed to local charities and causes. This is the sixth consecutive summer that the fund has provided book bags to local students.
The spiral bound notebook and a pack of paper inside each bag was donated by the Dollar General Distribution Center in Jonesville. The facility is one of Broad River Electric Cooperative’s industrial members and a strong supporter of local schools.
On August 14, Broad River Electric Charities Board members and Cooperative staff packed the book bags with supplies. They were assisted by volunteers from Buford Street United Methodist Church Youth and Crossroads Rescue Mission. Broad