A Cold Winter Looms
Dear Friend of St. Vincent de Paul,
Home heating costs are expensive. Especially for families faced with job losses and lower wages. Fortunately, during the winter of 2008-2009, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provided energy assistance to over 650 households throughout southeast Michigan.
Please allow me to tell you a short story that puts a face on those numbers. Irene is a widow who lives alone. Last year, she came to us with a very high utility bill and a shut-off notice. Thanks to the support of donors like you, our Energy Assistance Program was able to eliminate her problem. We paid half her bill and the utility company matched our amount.
Irene was thrilled. When we informed her that the bill had been paid, she said, “Thank you so much! Today is my 80th birthday, and this is the best gift anyone has ever given me!”
I’m very pleased to report we have again received a major $500,000 grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission to help clients in Southeast Michigan, who are unable to keep up with utility payments this coming winter.
However, the grant has one condition: we must match 25% of the amount with gifts from caring people like you. Because you actively support our mission, I hope I can count on you for a generous donation today.
Due to a statewide energy surcharge and unprecedented utility shut-offs, this home heating season looks extremely grave for the poor, the unemployed and senior citizens. And early predictions indicate a bitterly cold winter for the Midwest.
Please contact the Society of St. Vincent de Paul today. Or take a moment to complete a donation envelope. With your generous donation, we can begin our program immediately and provide energy assistance to those who need it most.
Won’t you please send $10, $20 or even $30 today? Any amount will help provide utility assistance to people like Irene. Your gift will help keep a family warm this winter.
Thank you and may God bless you for your compassion. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
William D. Brazier
Executive Director