LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Southern California Gas invited its customers today to contribute to the United Way's Gas Assistance Fund, a program that helps those in need pay their wintertime natural gas bills with a one-time grant of up to $100 per household.
All customer donations are matched by SoCalGas shareholders, and the fund is administered by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.
The program specifically helps veterans, the elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income families pay their bills so they can cook, have hot water and heat their homes, company officials said.
Last year, the fund received $374,995 and benefitted more than 4,100 households. Since 1983, SoCalGas customers, shareholders and employees contributed more than $19 million to the fund, helping more than 230,000 individuals and families, according to company officials.
“No one in our community should have to choose between keeping warm or other life's basic necessities like buying groceries,” said Elise Buik, president and CEO of United Way. “We are grateful to those who have supported the Gas Assistance program for the past 36 years.”
Those who wish to contribute to the fund may do so online or by mailing a check to: Gas Assistance Fund, File 56826, United Way Inc., P.O. Box 746826, Los Angeles, CA 90074-6826. Donations are tax-deductible and accepted year-round.
Those who wish to apply for a grant may do so by filling out an application at a participating United Way partner agency between Feb. 3 and May 31 (or until the fund is depleted).
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