Warming Hearts & Hands helps pay winter fuel bills

With many area families struggling to pay rising utility bills this winter, the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle is asking for contributions to the Warming Hands and Hearts Initiative.

The 2013 Warming Hands and Hearts Initiative will run from January through March. The program is supported by a $6,500 grant provided by BP Products North America through Roach Energy and ROCS.

Additional dollars for heating and utility assistance are provided from the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources and other charitable and faith-based organizations.

United Way manages the fund with no administrative fees or overhead charges.

Roach Energy will contribute one cent per gallon of oil or propane that customers purchase when they request a delivery from their Warming Hands and Hearts trucks, which customers can request when ordering a delivery.

At ROCS Convenience Stores, a portion of the price of Warming Hands and Hearts travel mugs and coffee refills will go to the program.

“This initiative provides vital assistance for local residents who are having trouble paying their utility bills and keeping the heat on this winter,” said Pete Mulford, CEO of regional United Way.

Warming Hands and Hearts goes beyond financial assistance by providing a case manager who contacts the utility company on behalf of the client. Negotiated payment arrangements and financial management information are also provided.

Donations by check may be mailed to United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, 218 West King Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401. Write “Warming Hands & Hearts” or “WH&H” on the memo line of the check.

For more information, contact the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle website or call 304-263-0603.