THE 2009-2010 MASSACHUSETTS GOOD NEIGHBOR ENERGY FUND OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES AS OF MONDAY, JANUARY 4TH Fund reaches 25th year of providing energy assistance to those in need. BOSTON, MA, December 29, 2009 -- The Salvation Army, the administrator of the 2009 - 2010 Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign, announces that the Fund will be open to all qualified candidates as of Monday, January 4th. The Fund has been available to households on an emergency basis since December 1st. A cooperative effort between the state's energy companies, their customers and The Salvation Army, the Fund helps families in temporary crisis who do not qualify for federal or state assistance with the payment of their energy expenses. The Fund's 25th Annual "Give The Gift of Warmth" campaign's goal is to raise $650,000 and help more than 2,250 families. "With the struggling economy and high unemployment rate in mind, we are thrilled to announce that the Fund will be available starting next week to all candidates who qualify," said Major Robert Goding of The Salvation Army in Boston. "We've seen a high 'urgency of need' as we've been processing the emergency cases in December and requests for assistance will most certainly continue to rise throughout the coming months as Old Man Winter moves in." Goding added that the Fund has raised more than $16.4 million and assisting over 75,000 needy families since its inception in 1985. The Fund is often the last resort for families who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs. To qualify for assistance from the Fund, an applicant's gross household income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state's median income levels. This year's Fund disbursement is $300 per eligible household per heating season. Massachusetts residents who wish to support the Fund can "Give the Gift of Warmth" by using the mint-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills or through the 'add a dollar' program some energy companies offer which allows customers to increase their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more. Customers can also donate on-line by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or by simply mailing a check payable to "The Good Neighbor Energy Fund" and send it to the new Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters at 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021-1408. Participating energy companies support their respective customers' generosity through various giving programs. For more information on the Fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Service Center or call (800) 262-1320 if you live in area code 413 or (800) 334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978. Back to Top