Legacy to Match Funds for Fuel Assistance01:07PM / Tuesday, December 01, 2009
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – In anticipation of excessive fuel costs this winter for Berkshire County residents, The Legacy Banks Foundation is bringing back its fuel assistance program to assist those in need.
The Foundation will provide up to $10,000 in matched funds to the Berkshire Community Action Council for emergency fuel assistance to Berkshire County residents this upcoming heating season. As part of the effort, Legacy Banks is once again asking individuals to contribute donations of any denomination, which the Foundation will then match dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.
Donations may be made at any one of Legacy Banks’ 11 Berkshire County branch offices. According to Richard Sullivan, president of The Legacy Banks Foundation, “Current economic conditions as well as rising fuel costs will make this winter extremely difficult for many in Berkshire County. We are hoping that this Foundation grant along with the generous support of our customers and others will be as successful as last year in helping to provide some of the emergency relief that will be necessary.”
The Berkshire Community Action Council coordinates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a government-funded program, which provides assistance to low-income families to help heat their homes during the winter. In Berkshire County, approximately 7,000 households typically apply for assistance. Don Atwater, executive director of the Berkshire Community Action Council, said he expects that number to increase this year.
Atwater commended Legacy Banks for their proactive initiative saying, “This generous contribution from The Legacy Banks Foundation and the Bank’s customers will tremendously help us this year with providing emergency assistance to those who so desperately need it.” He added, “In Berkshire County, we have a long period of cold weather, and although we provide assistance to all those who qualify, there are many individuals who remain in need after they have exhausted their allotted funds. This funding will help tremendously with emergency assistance.”
Anyone who wishes to contribute to this effort may do so at any Legacy Banks branch office in Berkshire County. To find out more, individuals may contact Legacy Banks at 800-292-6634 or the Berkshire Community Action Council at 413-445-4503 Ext. 101. Donations will be accepted in the form of cash or checks made payable to Berkshire Community Action Council. |
