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/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/203850.html

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