WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Helping Households In Need Stay Warm
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Northfield, Vermont - January 14, 2009
The home heating assistance programs like LIHEAP and Warmth help low-income Vermonters. But income guidelines don't always cover special circumstances. And that's where the fuel dealers and a few generous businesses come in.
The deepest part of the winter has set in, as subzero temperatures moved into the Northeast. Vermont households that have felt the economic downturn directly are struggling to pay their fuel bills, and that's where Gillespie Fuel & Propane comes in.
They and more than two-dozen Vermont fuel dealers are helping when state programs fall short. Such as when Sarah Payette's husband lost his job and had to take a contractor's position in Iraq. His first paycheck hasn't arrived yet. Sarah Payette explained that she didn't qualify for any other programs.
In this case, Karen Gillespie dispatched a truck to the Payette home in Northfield and topped off her tank -- even though she didn't have the money to pay for it.
"It's a wonderful program and hopefully can continue, with a lot more contributions," Gillespie said.
The fuel dealers say about thirty of their members out of a total of 75 chipped in their own money for the program, known as the Split the Ticket Campaign. It was founded by Rutland-based Patch Fuels about 20 years ago. The dealers want to make sure that none of their customers goes cold this winter, no matter what the financial circumstances.
Matt Cota, who heads the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association, thanked the Chittenden Bank for a $10,000 donation. He said the money will be doubled by the fuel dealers. Combined with some smaller donations, the program right now has enough to take care of thirty needy customers who did not qualify for LIHEAP or other heating assistance. As Cota put it, "In real numbers, though, well over $20,000 worth of fuel. It'll be matched dollar for dollar."
The program appears to be in more demand than ever, given the economy.
Payette said without a second paycheck from her husband, times are tight. "We both worked full-time jobs and didn't meet any of the requirements. And Karen has helped us far beyond what I ever expected her to do. And I'm grateful."
It's a classic example of Vermonters helping Vermonters in need, at the coldest time of year.
Andy Potter - WCAX News
