Tribune, Kan.–Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) announced today that the Melven O. Kuder Senior Center has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the WEC Sharing Success Fund to help the center purchase a new ice machine.

After 18 years, the senior center ice machine is no longer in working condition, leaving them with an unexpected expense while also facing budget cuts. Aside from their daily members, many people from the community utilize the ice machine including churches and those who rent the building for birthdays, showers, or parties. The grant will help offset part of the cost of the ice machine, allowing the center to remain focused on its core mission. The Melven O. Kuder Senior Center exists to improve the lives of mature adults through education, exercise, and social interaction.

The Scott Community Foundation began formally accepting applications for grants from the WEC Sharing Success Fund from community-based organizations on December 1, 2012. Since then, the application process has been moved internally and is currently handled directly by WEC. This year, WEC and CoBank have once again each contributed $10,000 to the fund. The program will continue to run until the funds are exhausted. Since 2012, WEC’s Sharing Success Fund has made $195,000 available to community-based organizations and projects across their service territory.

Community based organizations interested in receiving funding from the WEC Sharing Success Fund can apply online. Questions should be referred to Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communications, at 620-874-4563 or aconine@weci.net.