CANTON – The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is appealing to Massachusetts’ residents and businesses to consider a donation to the Fund’s 2016 “Give the Gift of Warmth” campaign due to a heightened urgency of need brought on by colder temperatures throughout the Commonwealth.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides energy assistance to those Massachusetts households who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and are not eligible for state or federal energy assistance funds. The 31st annual campaign is a cooperative effort between the Fund’s 23 sponsoring energy companies, the general public and the corporate community to raise $750,000 and help more than 2,000 households.
“The colder temperatures we’re experiencing now that we are in the dead of winter is generating an increase in the number of inquiries by those in need of energy assistance,” said Virginia Anthony of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and Chairperson of the 2016 Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign. “We appeal to the giving spirit of all our neighbors in the State and ask that you consider enclosing a donation of any amount with the green envelopes found in your utility bills or online at www.magoodneighbor.org.”
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 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. For example, a household size of 4 would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $63,704 and $84,939 to qualify. This year’s Fund disbursement is $300 per eligible household for the heating season.
Residents and businesses that wish to support the Fund can “Give the Gift of Warmth” by using the green-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills. Some energy companies offer an ‘add a dollar’ program which allows customers to contribute on their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more. Anyone can also donate with a credit card online by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org. Donors can also simply mail a check, payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund”, to Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021-1408.
For more information on the Fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or call 800-334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978 or (800) 262-1320 if you live in area code 413. Web: www.magoodneighbor.org.
