WMGLD Supports the Salvation Army

Good Neighbor Energy Fund

For information contact:

(781) 246-6363

(Wakefield, MA) – The Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD) is continuing its support for the Salvation Army’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund, a program that helps provide energy assistance to residents in temporary crisis who do not qualify for federal or state energy funds. This is the third consecutive year that the WMGLD has participated in the program, and the 25^th year that the Good Neighbor Energy Fund has been providing energy assistance to residents who are struggling to pay their energy bills.

WMGLD customers will receive a Good Neighbor Energy Fund envelope with their January bill which they can use to make a tax-deductible donation, in any amount, to the Salvation Army.

Since 1985, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised over $16.4 million and assisted nearly 75,000 households with a month's energy expense. Last year, the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund helped more than 2,725 families pay an electric, gas or oil bill.

            Those who receive assistance from the program must meet income eligibility guidelines. Income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state's median income levels. Income guidelines vary from $29,126 to $38,834 for an individual, and $56,011 to $74,681 for a family of four. Each household can receive a maximum grant of $300 per season regardless of the amount owed. Grants for a household must be paid directly to the vendor.

            “WMGLD customers have been very generous with their financial support for the Good Neighbor Energy Fund during the past two years,” WMGLD General Manager Pete Dion said. “The number of people who are unemployed has risen and we expect that the need for help this year will increase as well. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a great program because, unlike state and federal fuel assistance programs, it offers help to families and individuals who do not qualify for other programs.”

In addition to using the envelopes in the WMGLD bills, tax-deductible donations can also be sent directly to the MA Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 147 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02216-5197. Further information about the fund can be obtained on the Good Neighbor Energy Fund website www.magoodneighbor.org.

            Anyone who is in a temporary crisis and would like to apply for funds can contact the Salvation Army at 800-334-3047, or visit the website at www.use.salvationarmy.org/mas. Additional information about other energy assistance programs can be obtained at the WMGLD business office, on the WMGLD website at www.wmgld.com or by calling 781-246-6363.