Mass. Good Neighbor Fund Appeals for Donations

Submitted by the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is appealing to Massachusetts’ residents to consider a donation to the Fund's 2011-'12 “Give the Gift of Warmth” campaign.  Despite an unseasonably warm winter, the Fund’s administrator, The Salvation Army, is continuing to see a heightened “urgency of need” due to the struggling economy and the relatively high costs of living.

The twenty-seventh annual campaign is a cooperative effort between the state's energy companies, the general public and The Salvation Army to provide 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 Good Neighbor campaign's 2011-'12 goal is to raise $650,000 and help more than 2,225 households.

“Even though we’ve experienced unseasonably high temperatures compared to most New England winters, the sputtering economy and high costs of living are still generating an increase in the number of inquiries by those in need of energy assistance,” said Major Robert Goding of The Salvation Army.  “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.”

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 2 would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $40,824 and $54,432 to qualify.  A household of 4 would need to have a yearly income of between $60,035 and $80,047 to qualify, etc.  This year's Fund disbursement is $350 per eligible household per heating season.

“Twenty-five utilities in the Commonwealth, including New England Gas, support the Fund through various matching and giving programs,” stated Jeanne Cherry, Chairman of the Fund and Lead Energy Efficiency Programs Administrator at New England Gas.  “But the generosity of all our energy customers is the key to keeping our neighbors in need warm this year.”

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 with a credit card by either visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or simply mail a check payable to “The Good Neighbor Energy Fund” and send it to The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters at 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021-1408.

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.  Web: www.magoodneighbor.org.