MASSACHUSETTS GOOD NEIGHBOR ENERGY FUND IS NOW OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES
- Goal is to raise $600,000 and help 2,225 families.
"We're already seeing a rise in the number of requests for energy assistance," said Captain Terry Shaffer of The Salvation Army in Boston, Massachusetts, which administers the Fund. "With the harsh winter months now upon us, in combination with the higher costs of energy, the urgency of need will continue to escalate across the state."
The Fund is often the last resort for families who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs. To qualify for assistance from the Fund, an applicant's gross household income must fall between specified Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. This year's Fund disbursement is $275 per eligible household per heating season.
"The realities of an uncertain economy and the high costs of living present challenges for this year's campaign," said Kara Gray, Fund Co-Chair and Program Manager for Bay State Gas Company. "However, I'm confident that we'll build on the good work of the Fund and make a difference in the lives of thousands of families in need of energy assistance across the state." The Fund has raised more than $14.6 million and assisting over 69,000 needy families since its inception in 1985.
Massachusetts residents who wish to support the Fund can "Give the Gift of Warmth" by using the mint-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills or through the 'add a dollar' program some energy companies offer which allows customers to increase their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more. Customers can also donate on-line by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or by simply mailing a check payable to "The Good Neighbor Energy Fund" and send it to The Salvation Army, 147 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Participating energy companies support their respective customers' generosity through various giving programs.
For more information on the Fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Service Center or call (800) 262-1320 if you live in area code 413 or (800) 334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978.
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MASSACHUSETTS GOOD NEIGHBOR ENERGY FUND TO BENEFIT FROM WHOLE FOODS MARKET'S 5 PERCENT DAY
BOSTON MA, January 21, 2008 -- Seven Whole Foods Market stores in the Boston area will hold a "5% Day" to benefit the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund on Tuesday, January 29, 2007. Five percent of the net sales at the participating Whole Foods Market locations will be donated to help local families in temporary crisis pay their energy bills during this winter season. Participating stores are: Bellingham at 255 Hartford Ave.; Hingham at 94 Derby Street; Wayland at 317 Boston Post Rd.; Wellesley at 278 Washington Street; and Cambridge locations at 200 Alewife Brook Pkwy., 15 Washington St. and 340 River St.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a cooperative effort between The Salvation Army, which administers the Fund, the 24 sponsoring energy companies in the state and Massachusetts residents. The Fund's 2007-2008 goal is to raise $600,000 and assist 2,000 families who do not qualify for federal or state assistance programs.
"Whole Foods Market's participation is a good example of neighbor helping neighbor and that's what the Good Neighbor Energy Fund is all about," said Captain Terry Shaffer at the The Salvation Army in Boston. "The money raised by Whole Foods will go a long way towards keeping local families warm this winter."
The Fund is often the last resort for families who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs. To qualify for assistance from the Fund, an applicant's gross household income must fall between specified Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. This year's Fund disbursement is $275 per eligible household per heating season. The Fund has raised more than $14.6 million and assisting over 69,000 needy families since its inception in 1985.
Massachusetts residents who wish to support the Fund can "Give the Gift of Warmth" by using the mint-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills or through the 'add a dollar' program some energy companies offer which allows customers to increase their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more. Customers can also donate on-line by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or by simply mailing a check payable to "The Good Neighbor Energy Fund" and send it to The Salvation Army, 147 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Participating energy companies support their respective customers' generosity through various giving programs.
For more information on the Fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Service Center or call (800) 262-1320 if you live in area code 413 or (800) 334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978.
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