Salvation Army, Consumers Energy Celebrate 25th Anniversary of PeopleCare Program Helping Those in Need
August 06 2007 - 3:42PM
PR Newswire (US)
JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Salvation
Army and Consumers Energy celebrated today the 25th anniversary of
the PeopleCare program, which provides emergency assistance for
families and individuals in need across Michigan. State Sen. Mark
Schauer, of Battle Creek, and state Rep. Mike Simpson, of Jackson,
joined leaders from The Salvation Army and Consumers Energy
executives and employees at the utility's headquarters to mark the
program's silver anniversary. Since it was established in 1983,
PeopleCare -- a joint effort of The Salvation Army and the utility
-- has helped 302,228 households in Michigan. Consumers Energy
employees and customers have donated nearly $12.4 million to
support PeopleCare, and the utility has contributed $25.3 million
in energy bill credits for total support of $37.7 million. The
Salvation Army and Consumers Energy created PeopleCare to provide
food, shelter, clothing, energy bill assistance, and other
emergency aid to those in need. The Salvation Army determines
eligibility for energy bill credits and other help and distributes
the aid on a case by case basis. The Salvation Army also provides
comprehensive social services, including substance abuse treatment,
prenatal care, and family counseling. Major James Nauta, divisional
commander of The Salvation Army of Western Michigan, said the
support of Consumers Energy and its customers and employees makes a
real difference in the lives of those in need. "There's a growing
need in Michigan for the type of assistance that we can provide
through PeopleCare. Every dollar we get through PeopleCare is put
to use helping people who have no other place to turn. The
Salvation Army focuses on 'Doing the most good,' and PeopleCare
truly helps us do that," Nauta said. John Russell, the president
and chief operating officer of Consumers Energy, said the utility
and its employees are proud of their relationship with The
Salvation Army and supporting its work of helping families and
individuals in need for the past 25 years. "In today's challenging
economy, there are more and more families and individuals
struggling to make ends meet. We recognize that need and as a
company and as individuals, we're stepping forward to help in a
variety of ways. Helping those in need is an integral part of our
corporate culture," Russell said. Those who would like to
contribute to PeopleCare may send their donations to: PeopleCare
Consumers Energy Lansing, Mich. 48937-0001 Consumers Energy
customers who would like to make monthly donations to PeopleCare
may call 1-800-477-5050 and arrange for a contribution to be added
to their energy bills. Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary
of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5
million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower
Peninsula counties. DATASOURCE: The Salvation Army CONTACT: Matt
Saganski of The Salvation Army, +1-616-915-4991; or Jeff Holyfield
of Consumers Energy, +1-517-788-2394 Web site:
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ http://www.consumersenergy.com/
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