PRESS RELEASE
Minnesota Power Foundation Gives The Salvation Army $50,000 for Energy Assistance in Northern MN
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – January 11, 2011 – Despite the bitter cold and record snowfall in Minnesota this winter, there is a bright spot: Hundreds of families in need in northern Minnesota will stay warm thanks to a $50,000 gift to The Salvation Army from the Minnesota Power Foundation.
The Salvation Army’s HeatShare program will use the $50,000 to provide energy assistance to residents of Duluth, Brainerd, International Falls and other northern Minnesota communities served by Minnesota Power and The Salvation Army. The donation is especially important because government funding has fallen sharply, leaving The Salvation Army heavily reliant on private donations.
“A huge thank you to Minnesota Power for their generous contribution,” said HeatShare Director Mike McGlone. “Their gift is a blessing to The Salvation Army and hundreds of families struggling to keep their homes warm.”
A blessing indeed: $50,000 is about a third of what Salvation Army HeatShare spent on energy assistance in northern Minnesota last year, when nearly $145,000 in total assistance was given to about 250 households.
Minnesota Power and the Minnesota Power Foundation have a long history of giving to HeatShare, through contributions totaling $275,000 since 2001. The electric utility also provides customers the option to donate to the program through their monthly statements. Contributions from Minnesota Power customers totaled $36,000 last heating season.
“Heating assistance funds are more important than ever,” said Minnesota Power Director of Customer Service Luann LaValley. “We encourage our customers to help out by partnering with us through donations to HeatShare. It only takes a small contribution to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.”
Salvation Army HeatShare has provided $30 million in heating assistance to 120,000 Minnesota and North Dakota families since 1982. To donate, call 800-SAL-ARMY or mail a check marked “HeatShare” to 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
