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Round Up fund helps tornado victims 

Aiken Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up program donated $1,000 to the Red Cross to assist local tornado victims. The storm that ripped down Highway 278 April 10 left many residents homeless and caused major damage to the New Ellenton and Beech Island communities.

Red Cross Executive Director Suzanne Jackson said she was grateful for the generosity of Aiken Electric Cooperative’s membership. “This donation is a perfect example of community partnership.”

Jackson went on to explain the role the Red Cross has played in assisting affected families. “We got the call around 12 midnight on Friday, April 10th from Emergency Operations about the tornado. We served food, provided water and arranged temporary shelter relief at Jackson Middle and Silver Bluff High Schools. We have also provided a damage assistance team to evaluate affected areas. Looking forward, The Red Cross is offering client services to assist with long-term relief for the families in need.

Aiken Electric’s Operation Round Up program allows members to contribute to community projects and charities by rounding their electric bills up to the nearest dollar. “It’s a great way for our members to ‘give back’ to the communities where they live,” says AEC CEO Gary Stooksbury. “We are glad that our membership can be a part of the restoration in Beech Island and New Ellenton.” To assist the community efforts of Operation Round Up, call Aiken Electric Cooperative, 803-649-6245.

 Aiken Electric Cooperative Trustee Raymond Hutto and Operation Round Up Board Chair, James Goodman present $1,000 to Suzanne Jackson, Aiken County Red Cross Executive Director. The funds were donated to assist the residents that were affected by the tornado that hit April 10.