WORKS Roundup & Scranton Funds Aid Folks with Hardships
Disasters, serious illness, accidental tragedies, and family emergencies seem to always occur when we least expect it. Unfortunately, many people and organizations seem to “fall through the cracks” of the system when they genuinely need assistance. We all know of cases where this has happened. When tragedy hits close to home, it is nice to have a place to turn for assistance to get back on your feet again.
We have the perfect idea in a program called Operation Roundup which was created several years ago by another electric cooperative in South Carolina. We began a local effort 24 years ago through our electric cooperative membership which we call WORKS: Wayne-White Operation Roundup Kare and Share.
It is a simple idea that has provided assistance to a lot of people and organizations simply by donating some extra change each month. For example, if your electric bill is $63.53, it would be rounded up to $64.00, with the 47 cents being contributed directly to the Works foundation. Although that may not seem like much, your extra change multiplied by over 13,000 other meters of the cooperative, enable the Works program to fill in some of the “cracks” of the system.
Last year (2025) the program raised $54,709.05 due to the generosity of members just like yourself. The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that are cooperative members just like you. It is totally separate from the Wayne-White Electric Board of Directors. The Works board members review grant applications and determine where the charitable funds will be distributed.
By having your electric bill rounded up each month, your total annual contribution to Works will be less than $12.00. Since the program’s inception in 2002, Works has generated foundation funds of $1,185,981.81 with a total of $1,176,141.96 being dispursed to needy individuals and organizations.
If you wish to participate, you do not have to do anything. Our billing system will automatically round up your bill. There is also a form that you can sign if you want to donate a certain amount monthly or if you want to make a one-time donation. However, if you wish to opt out of the Works program, you may do so by contacting our office at (618) 842-2196.
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Another assistance program that you can contribute to that helps benefit families affected by cancer is the Dr. Dennis Scranton Memorial Fund. Through this fund, your generous donation can benefit local residents who have ongoing expenses related to active cancer treatments at a recognized treatment center.
The Dr. Dennis Scranton Fund was established after the passing of Dr. Scranton, who died in an automobile accident near Fairfield in 2003. His widow, Tracy Scranton, said her husband had often expressed the need for a fund of this type. He recognized that patients had trouble funding their cancer treatments and related travel expenses to go and seek treatment. In the past year, $18,000 was given out to help cancer patients with travel costs and more.
The fund is totally dependent on donations by the public. The fund is limited to patients receiving active treatment for cancer such as surgery, radiation or chemo. The fund is overseen by the Works board at Wayne-White Electric.
If you or a family member dealing with cancer is interested in receiving funds, there is an application process. Qualified recipients can receive up to $500 in assistance in a calendar year to benefit their needs in seeking cancer treatment. If you wish to donate, you can send your financial gift to Dennis Scranton Memorial Fund, PO Box 700, Fairfield, IL 62837 or drop off your donation at our office in Fairfield. For questions, call us at (618) 842-2196 or visit waynewhitecoop.com for more information or to apply.