During the Christmas season and throughout winter, many individuals and families struggle to pay their electric bills. In some instances, they’re forced to make a decision between heat or food and medicine.
The story of an individual who contributed to Project Help could spur donations to keep the lights on at the homes of disabled and elderly members of Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC), according to President and CEO Michael Watson.
“This co-op member was in dire straits financially, with medical bills mounting and limited income. But she shared what little could be spared and signed up for Project Help, having her electric bill rounded up by $1 to help others,” Watson says.
Various agencies and organizations provide energy assistance, but often the need is greater than the resources available. Project Help is a program through which DREMC members can make direct contributions or sign up to have donations added to their electric bills.
Good Samaritan organizations in the co-op’s service area administer the funds, focusing on the elderly and disabled.
“They do a great job,” explains Watson, “but the resources are limited. We have set a goal of increasing contributions to Project Help so it can serve more people. We also hope in the future to make it self-sustaining.”
DREMC offices in Manchester, Shelbyville-Lynchburg, Decherd-Sewanee, Columbia and Lewisburg-Chapel Hill are competing to sign up Project Help donors. Coin buckets are available for those who want to make one-time contributions.
The effort will run through February. In October and November, more than 400 new donors were enlisted. Several $100 gifts were received.
Project Help is supported solely by contributions made by DREMC members and employees. The funds are earmarked for co-op members in need of electric bill assistance who meet the eligibility requirements.
For more information, call Claire Sellers at (931) 680-6125 or go to
www.dremc.com.
DREMC Asking fore More Donations to “Project Help”
