[Press Release] : Donations requested for dwindling utility assistance funds

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2007

Contact: Steve Hollis
Manager of Community Services
Columbia Boone County Health Department
(573) 874-7352

Donations requested for dwindling utility assistance funds

	(COLUMBIA, MO) -- The Office of Community Services has seen an
increase in the number of people requesting assistance through CASH and
HELP. These programs help low-income seniors, the disabled and families
with children pay their utility bills. The funds available in these
programs have been running out within the first few days of the month,
which means a large number of people are turned away. 
	Due to the significant number of people needing assistance,
utility customers are being asked to donate more than they usually would
to the CASH and HELP programs. Both the city of Columbia and Boone
Electric are sending donation slips with the November utility bill
return envelope. All donations go directly to helping those in need.
They are also tax deductible. For more information about donating to the
CASH or HELP program, please call the city of Columbia at 874-7380 and
Boone Electric at 449-4181.
	Rebecca Roesslet, social services supervisor at the Office of
Community Services, feels that the slumping economy, rising utility
rates and cuts to social service programs have forced many people to ask
for utility assistance. Roesslet said, “Right now we can help about 90
families in Boone County each month. We appreciate the donations we have
been receiving from utility customers but there are more people who need
help. Any extra amount people can give would be truly appreciated by our
neighbors here in Boone County.” 


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