A single mother who is having trouble juggling work and affordable childcare… a household having a hard time dealing with the high prices for essential items like food and rent… a father who recently lost his job. For many Massachusetts families in temporary crisis, possibly in your own community, lower temperatures have them facing another cold reality… not being able to pay the monthly energy bill.

The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, sponsored by 18 energy service providers in the state and administered by The Salvation Army, is often the last resort for families who are in need of a helping hand and who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs. Unfortunately, we expect the urgency of need to continue to escalate throughout the rest of the winter and into the spring. With this in mind, those in need of energy assistance should visit their local Salvation Army Service Center or call 800-262-1320 if they live in area code 413, or 800-334-3047 if they live in area codes 339, 351, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, or 978.

To help us satisfy the more than 1,500 requests for aid anticipated this winter and spring alone, we appeal to everyone in the Massachusetts area to join their fellow residents in the Commonwealth and the Fund’s sponsoring energy companies to “Give the Gift of Warmth.” People can donate by using the green Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelopes found as an insert in their monthly utility bills, scanning the QR code featured on the donation envelope or through the “add a dollar” program some energy companies offer.

Residents can also donate with a credit card by visiting magoodneighbor.org or by simply writing a check payable to “The Good Neighbor Energy Fund” and sending it c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021-1408.

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On behalf of all the families in need, thank you!