KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Prior to Christmas, the Tullahoma Utilities Authority Board of Directors approved 13 local nonprofit organizations to be recipients of the Round Up program.

 During its December meeting, the TUA board met and discussed the disbursement of the funds from the program. According to TUA President Allen Potter, the Round Up Committee met prior to the board meeting on Dec. 5 to review applications and make funding recommendations for the board’s consideration. The program had $31,700 available for disbursement.

Potter said more than 9,000 TUA customers contribute to the Round Up Program, and the committee felt that since there was large participation from customers that it was fair to allocate funds to each charity that requested funding, as it would best reflect the diversity of causes and values within the community.

Potter recommended the following allocations:

• The Henry Center: $2,500
• Good Samaritan: $2,500
• The Attic Outlet: $2,800
• The Shepherd’s House: $4,800
• Coffee County Salvation Army: $1,500
• Partners For Healing: $1,500
• Come to the Table: $3,800
• Hospice of Highland Rim: $1,500
• 5 Loaves 4 Kids: $4,000
• Coffee County Senior Citizens: $2,000
• Tullahoma Lions Club: $1,800
• Helping Hands Food Pantry and Clothes Closet: $2,000
• The Tullahoma Day Care Center: $1,000

Board member J.T. Northcutt said it was good that they are trying to help each organization, as each one contributes to Tullahoma residents in need.

“We not be able (to provide) all they need or want, but I think it says a lot that we are trying to help each one of them,” he said.

Board Chairman Dr. Jimmy Blanks thanked Round Up Committee for their work and the board unanimously approved to disburse payments from the Round Up Program to the 13 organizations.