Six dollars doesn't buy much these days.

A fast food value meal, a large coffeehouse latte or a book of stamps can exhaust $6 quickly. But put that money with thousands of others, and you can help change lives. Starting October 2005, when Operation Round Up® officially begins, Jackson EMC members will see how far $6 can go in their communities.

Developed to provide funds for special and individual needs, and assistance in emergency situations, Operation Round Up donations are placed in a foundation and distributed by an independent board of directors. Made up of volunteer board members within the 10 counties served by Jackson EMC, the Foundation will evaluate all requests for assistance. Grants will be awarded throughout the year.

Participating members' electric bills will be automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar. If your bill is $54.73, you'll see $55 on your electric bill, with the 27 cents going to Operation Round Up. Contributions average out to approximately $6 a year per account, giving Jackson EMC the opportunity to make a significant impact in our communities.

You'll have several months to give us your ideas or decline participation through our bill inserts, reply cards in Jemco News and at www.jacksonemc.com/roundup. Making a difference in your community — Operation Round Up - the power of many, helping others.