Volunteer Energy helps service groups

Carlton Norris, chairman of Volunteer Energy Cooperative’s VECustomers Share Board, presents a $1,000 grant check to Bri Payne, executive director of the John Knox Center. The center was among Roane County service organizations receiving grants through the program, which receives funding from Volunteer Energy customers opting to round their electric bills to the next whole dollar. The program was founded in October 2001 and has donated more than $3.4 million to various organizations in its 17-county service area.

Norris, left, presents a $3,000 grant check to John Burnum of the Midway Quarterback Club. VECustomers Share recently awarded $6,100 to Roane County community service organizations. Other grant recipients are Midway High School Golf Boosters, $1,000; and Friends of the Midway Elementary School Library, $800. Grant applications are available at any Volunteer Energy Cooperative customer-service center, by calling 423-334-7051, or at www.vec.org.