BRAINTREE, MA— MA, February 21, 2019 – Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund sponsor, Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD), is appealing to Massachusetts’ residents and businesses to consider a donation to the Fund’s 2019 “Give the Gift of Warmth” campaign due to a heightened urgency of need brought on by winter’s cold temperatures and the resulting increase in home energy consumption throughout the Commonwealth.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides energy assistance to 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 34th annual campaign is a cooperative effort between the Fund’s 20 sponsoring energy companies, the general public and the corporate community to raise $500,000 and help an anticipated 1,650 households.
“The falling temperatures are generating an increase in the number of inquiries by individuals and families in need of energy assistance,” said Gail Cohen, BELD Support Services Manager. “To meet this need, we appeal to the giving spirit of all our neighbors in Braintree and ask that you consider enclosing a donation of any amount in the green envelopes found in your utility bills or online at www.magoodneighbor.org.”
Since its inception, the Fund has raised more than $21.5 million to provide over 88,750 households with emergency assistance. Residents and businesses that wish to support the Fund are encouraged to use the green 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. Donating to the Fund is easy. Make a credit card donation online at www.magoodneighbor.org or 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. Participating energy companies support their respective customers’ generosity through various giving programs.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is often the last resort for families who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs. The Salvation Army, which administers the Fund, pays the energy provider directly for households whose gross income is within 60 - 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 $68,289 and $91,052 to qualify. This campaign year’s Fund disbursement is $300 per eligible household per heating season.
For more information about 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.
A special thanks to BCAM TV for the recording and studio time.