CRANSTON–Bishop Thomas J. Tobin launched the third annual “Keep the Heat On” campaign on November 20 at St. Matthew School. The program provides heating assistance for struggling individuals and families who have exhausted all other sources of public and private funding.
The Bishop made the announcement to a classroom of students representing all grades who presented the bishop with a check in the amount of $663.00 which they raised through a dress down day to benefit “Keep the Heat On.” The bishop also made his own personal gift to help the campaign, much to the delight of the students, rewarded their generous efforts with another dress down day to be chosen by Principal Elaine Dykstra.
“We welcome you on this most chilly day,” began the school administrator. “They wanted to meet your challenge and they wanted to meet you,” said Father James R, Collins, pastor of St. Matthew Church, welcoming the bishop on his first visit to the parish school.
“We are very grateful for your generosity,” the bishop told the students, telling them that that support for the campaign by sharing their gifts was a sign of their faith in Jesus.
Bishop Tobin told the students that the snow that had fallen that morning, although insignificant, was a sign that a cold winter will soon arrive and that many families cannot afford the rising cost of utilities.
“Your gift will make a real difference for those less fortunate,” Bishop Tobin told the students.
“Too many Rhode Islanders are forced to make difficult decisions between rent, heat or food,” he continued. “’Keep the Heat On’ is an option of last resort for those Rhode Islanders who have exhausted all other assistance programs. This is but one way the Catholic Church can make a difference this winter season for those who simply cannot keep pace with escalating energy prices.”
“It comes at a time when there are so many cuts in funding for heating assistance,” said Richard Andrade, coordinator of the Dire Emergency Fund. “The church is being challenged to help more and more.”
Gabrielle Martini, a sixth grader at St. Matthew School, said she was happy to a part of the fundraising effort.
“I feel that it was a good deed for us to contribute and donate to the people so that they can have heat this winter,” she said.
“I was really great because the bishop came and talked to everybody,” added Grade 3 student Kaitlyn Pereira. “I learned to help out always.”
“I think that the children are very happy to meet the bishop’s challenge in spite of the dress down day,” said Father Collins. “They are very generous.”
“Keep the Heat On” is supported by generous donors and is matched – dollar for dollar – up to $75,000 per year with a matching grant from the Diocese of Providence’s Catholic Charity Fund. Last year, more than 700 individuals and organizations contributed $119,970 to the fund, far surpassing the $75,000 goal. Combined with the Catholic Charity Fund matching grant, a total of $194,970 was made available to assist struggling Rhode Islanders with their heating needs.
“In the past, we have focused on those who have received assistance through ‘Keep the Heat On’,” added Bishop Tobin. “This year, we thought it would be appropriate to focus on those who support the effort such as school children, parishes and regular Rhode Islanders. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the students and staff of St. Matthew School in Cranston for their generous donation and efforts to help their fellow neighbors stay warm this winter.”
To apply for assistance through “Keep the Heat On,” applicants may call 421-7833 or log onto www.heatri.com for additional information. Applicants for “Keep the Heat On” funds must demonstrate their ineligibility for other federal, state and private assistance. All inquiries are confidential.
Those who would like to make a donation to “Keep the Heat On” may send a check, noting “Keep the Heat On”, made payable to the Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund and mailed to 184 Broad Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. Visit www.heatri.com and use the secure web server for credit card donations.
The Web site, launched last year, includes helpful information on other forms of heating assistance as well as campaign updates and helpful tips for energy conservation.
Since ‘Keep the Heat On’ was established in 2005, the effort has raised $234,076 and provided aid to 1428 households in Rhode Island. $165,465 has been provided for oil assistance; $144,534 for gas; and $80,747 for electric. The Catholic Charity Fund has matched $150,000 of contributions to ‘Keep the Heat On’.
The Gregorian Concert Choir and Orchestra will perform a concert at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence entitled ‘Sounds of the Season’, featuring the music of Advent and Christmas on Sunday, December 9 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 and proceeds will benefit the ‘Keep the Heat On’ Fund. For more information, please call 331-2434 or visit www.heatri.com.
The Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund was established in 1978 by the Interfaith Leadership to assist those who have exhausted all other means of heating assistance including federal, state, and private. Responding to skyrocketing heating costs since 2005 year, Bishop Tobin renamed the effort ‘Keep the Heat On’, adding the Catholic Charity Fund matching grant. The Dire Emergency Fund is administered by the diocesan Office of Community Services and Advocacy and assists those in need throughout Rhode Island.
Help your neighbors stay warm this winter...
Please consider donating to the Keep The Heat On campaign by sending a check, noting “Keep the Heat On”, made payable to the Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund and mailed to 184 Broad Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903.
Or, visit www.heatri.com and use the secure web server for credit card donations.
