NORTHEAST TENNESSEE & WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA OPERATION POCKET CHANGE. This program provides funds for qualified community projects, programs, and people in genuine needy situations. Each participant's monthly electric bill is rounded up to the next even dollar amount. For example if your monthly bill is $25.73, you will pay $26 with the extra 27 cents placed in the fund. Each participant will contribute an average of about $6 annually. Mountain Electric's Board has appointed an independent board. There are 8 members representing the 8 MEC districts in Avery County, eastern Carter County, and the Johnson County area. This board accepts applications from groups, non-profit organizations, and individuals. This board will decides legitimate requests and the amount to be funded. Mountain Electric Coop believes the fund will be a great help to many needy situations and hopes that everyone has been continuing to participate, but it is totally voluntary. Each member was placed initially on the program but can request to be removed at any time. Here are a few examples of projects that other cooperatives across the nation have helped with: • Drug abuse centers • Abused spouse homes • Scouts, boys and girls clubs • Fire departments • Youth programs • Food and clothing for needy • Christmas for the needy • Toys for the needy • Handicap ramps • Juvenile pregnancy centers or homes • Help for those with catastrophic illnesses and • When homes are burned out. These are only a few of the many possible uses. There are a set of by-laws to govern the actions of the board. These by- laws were developed over the past few years by the many other active programs across the country.