Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 2, 1993 TAG: 9311020115
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
This marks the 12th year that both utilities have solicited contributions to support local relief agencies with winter fuel assistance. Contributions are tax-deductible, the companies said.
Apco will be asking for voluntary contributions from its customers in Virginia and West Virginia. The company's shareholders will match whatever is donated, up to $37,500 in each state.
In Virginia, money to pay winter electric bills will be distributed by the state Department of Social Services, which determines the eligibility of recipients.
Apco President Joseph Vipperman said that 17,752 Virginia families have benefitted from the company's "Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund" since its inception.
All funds go to those in need, Vipperman said. Apco and the social service agencies in the two states pay the program's administrative costs.
Brochures describing Apco's program will be included in customers' electric bills this month. A space will be provided on the bills for customers to indicate if they want to contribute to the fund by having the amount added to their regular electric bill payment.
Customers may also contribute by writing a separate check to the Virginia Department of Social Services/Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund and mailing it to Apco.
Larry Jackson, social services commissioner, noted that the program is needed because the federal government has cut its energy assistance program in recent years, while the number of needy has grown.
Roanoke Gas has already mailed one request for contributions to its "Heat Share" program in the company's October bills and will announce the program in a second mailing in December.
The company gives donations to the Salvation Army, which determines eligibility and distributes the assistance.
Last year, Roanoke Gas collected $43,000 for the program, including the company's own contribution of $8,000, said Rob Glenn, a company vice president. In all, 1,650 customers contributed an average of $20 apiece.
This year, the company's contribution will be $8,500.
During the life of the program, the company has collected almost $700,000, including its own contributions, and has helped 4,862 customers with their home-heating bills.
Both companies' programs began during a recession in the early 1980s, a time when the federal government was cutting its fuel assistance funds.
by CNB