While winter has officially ended BELD continues to request donations to the good neighbor energy fund to meet need
Even though winter officially ended Wednesday, March 20, Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) sponsor, Braintree Electric Light Department, continues to appeal to local residents and businesses to consider a donation to the Fund’s 2019 “Give the Gift of Warmth” campaign to meet the need of area households for heating assistance. The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is often the last resort for families and individuals who are in temporary crises and do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs such as LIHEAP.
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 campaign relies on individuals, families, local corporations and foundations for support and has raised more than $21.5 million and assisted over 88,750 households since its inception in 1985.
“While spring has sprung, the Fund continues to see a steady stream of approved applications,” said Gail Cohen, BELD Support Services Manager. “With this in mind, I appeal to the generosity of Massachusetts residents and ask that you consider making a gift of warmth.”
BELD Requests Donations to Meet Need
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 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. The easiest way to determine if a household qualifies is to visit the Fund’s website at www.magoodneighbor.org. This campaign year’s Fund disbursement is $300 per eligible household per heating season.
Massachusetts residents can apply to the Fund by visiting their local Salvation Army Corps Community Center. To find a nearby Center, please visit www.magoodneighbor.org. For more information about the Fund, please 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.