SoCalGas launches annual Gas Assistance Fund donation drive

As temperatures cool across its service area, Southern California Gas Co. invites its customers and employees to contribute to the company’s Gas Assistance Fund, a program that helps income-qualified customers pay their natural gas bill with a one-time grant of up to $100 per household. Donations will be matched by SoCalGas.

The Gas Assistance Fund is administered by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles and helps veterans, the elderly, people with disabilities and families in need pay their natural gas bills so they can cook, have hot water and heat their homes. United Way partners with nearly 80 nonprofit organizations throughout SoCalGas’ service territory to distribute the grants.

Since 1983, SoCalGas, the company’s customers and its employees have contributed nearly $18 million to the Gas Assistance Fund, which has helped more than 224,000 individuals, families, seniors and veterans. In 2016, the fund received $432,000 in donations and benefited nearly 4,800 households.

“Through the Gas Assistance Fund, we’re able to help some of our customers who may otherwise not have a warm home during the winter months,” said Lisa Alexander, vice president of customer solutions and communications at SoCalGas and United Way board member. “SoCalGas thanks our generous customers and employees who donate to aid others in need, and we are grateful for their continuous support of the program for nearly 35 years.”

Those who wish to contribute to the fund may do so online or by mailing a check to: Gas Assistance Fund, File 56826, United Way Inc., P.O. Box 746826, Los Angeles, CA 90074-6826.

Donations are tax-deductible and accepted year-round. Those who wish to apply for a grant may do so by filling out an application at a participating United Way partner agency between Feb. 2 and May 31 or until the fund is depleted.

— Vincent Osuna, vosuna@ivpressonline.com