CANTON – The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, a cooperative effort between the state”s sponsoring energy companies and their customers to help households in temporary financial crisis pay their energy bills, announces that its 2014-2015 “Give The Gift of Warmth” campaign generated $594,990 in contributions, exceeding its fundraising goal of $550,000. Most importantly, the donations to the campaign provided energy assistance to 1,478 Massachusetts households in need. The Fund will open again for all applicants on Monday, January 4TH, 2016.
“Raising well over a half million dollars for thousands in temporary crisis shows the commitment of the Fund’s energy company sponsors and the true giving spirit of all our sponsors’ customers,” said Virginia Anthony of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and Chairperson of the 2014-2015 Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign. “Donations from other sources, including companies and foundations, added to the community effort to provide warmth to all our neighbors in need.”
The Fund is often the last resort for families who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs. The Salvation Army, which administers the Fund, pays the energy provider directly for households whose gross household income falls 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 casino online and $84,939 to qualify.
Since its establishment in 1985, the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised over $19.8 million and helped more than 85,000 families in need pay a month”s energy expense. For more information, please visit www.magoodneighbor.org.
Energy customers in Massachusetts can “Give the Gift of Warmth” by using the Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found in their utility bills during the winter months or through an “add a dollar” program offered by some companies which allows customers to increase their monthly utility bill payment by one dollar or more. Customers can also donate online by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or simply make a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” and send it Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021-1408.
