08/14/2018- Collecting change to create change: it’s the idea behind the partnership between the M&M Area Community Foundation and Plaza Ace Hardware in Menominee. The store’s Round Up program allows customers to round up to the nearest dollar on their purchase, with the extra change being donated to the Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Fund. Keith Killen, owner of the Plaza Ace Hardware says while it’s not the first year they’ve offered a Round Up option, it is the first time they’ve partnered with the Community Foundation and that’s helping the money have a broader reach.
A secondary aspect to the Round Up program is the Step Up feature, which supports other community nonprofits. When a customer chooses to contribute their change through the Round Up program, Plaza Ace will then “step up” and donate 2% of that purchase price to a store credit account for one of four participating organizations: the DAR Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, the Salvation Army, or the Abundant Life Mission. Rich Crevier with the DAR says the contributions from Plaza Ace have a significant impact on the programming they’re able to offer.
Killen adds, beyond the financial aspect, the program is helping to strengthen the sense of community between participating organizations. In 2017, Plaza Ace’s Round Up program generated more than $10-thousand in donations.