Rhode Island State Office
1515 Elmwood Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
(401) 490-0240
Fax: (401) 490-0185
Providence County Coordinator
Lt. John C. and
Major Gayle B. Luby
Email: John.Luby@use.salvationarmy.org
Gayle.Luby@use.salvationarmy.org
Directions: Click here
SEE THE SALVATION ARMY'S MOBILE COMMUNITY RESPONSE
IN RHODE ISLAND IN ACTION!
THE SALVATION ARMY OFFERING FOOD,
COMFORT,
AND HOPE TO TORNADO SURVIVORS
Alexandria, Virginia (March 4, 2012) – As
communities assess damages and begin to rebuild in the wake of devastating
tornadoes in the Midwest and Southern United States, The Salvation Army's Emergency
Disaster Services (EDS) teams across the region are continuing to provide aid
to impacted areas. With more severe weather forecasted for the region,
including possible snow in some of the hardest-hit regions, The Salvation Army
is on standby to respond as needed.
For more information on The Salvation Army’s
continued response, please visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org, blog.salvationarmyusa.org, www.facebook.com/salvationarmyusa or www.twitter.com/salvationarmyus.
THE SALVATION ARMY SETS FUNDRAISING RECORD
DURING 120TH RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN
WITH HELP FROM AMERICAN
DONORS
$147.6 Million Raised as The Salvation
Army's Fundraiser Reaches Young Philanthropists
Alexandria, VA (January 30, 2012) - The Salvation Army raised $147.6
million through the 2011 Red Kettle Campaign, marking a new fundraising record
for the campaign. The new record, a 3.4 percent increase from 2010, highlights
the support of American donors who gave generously despite a continued slow
economy. In its 120th year, after beginning on the wharf in San Francisco in
1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has become a Christmas tradition that utilizes
volunteers to ring bells at 25,000 red kettles across the country. In 2011, The
Salvation Army expanded on the Campaign by incorporating new technologies at
kettles and hosting national events to inspire giving. More about this record...
THE SALVATION ARMY APPRECIATES ITS VOLUNTEERS!
Providence – The Salvation Army held a “Volunteer Appreciation Night” at their Citadel Headquarters on Broad Street on January 31st. The purpose of the evening was to say thank you to those who had donated their time, talents, and treasures to help with programs during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Providence Area Commander, Lt. John C. Luby said, “The thought was to honor our volunteers with a nice meal and fellowship, to give them a few small tokens of our appreciation and to present some awards to some exceptional people. These people have been steady and frequent volunteers over and throughout the years, and we wanted to do something nice for them... so we did!” More thanks...
HERE COMES THE ARMY!
Salvation Army rolls out new mobile
community response canteen program.
PROVIDENCE - Salvation Army Lieutenant John Luby reports the Providence
Salvation Army Corps will be introducing a new feeding and outreach program in
the Providence DownCity area.
Lt . Luby said, "The Salvation Army is delighted to introduce this new
community program.
We will be serving complete meals from our Mobile
Community Response/EDS canteen. Our truck has previously offered food, water
and more at community events such as: prayer walks, public events with other
non-profits, emergency disaster responses - such as last year's spring floods,
feeding breakfasts and dinners at area shelters and the truck has also operated
as a hydration station during especially hot days to prevent dehydration. As
always we never charge for any assistance we serve from our vehicles." The
truck will be parked in Burnside Park directly across from NBC 10 DownCity
studio on Thursday evenings between 6:00 and 7:00PM and the Army hopes to
continue the program throughout the summer and fall.
Lt. Luby reported that the funding to operate this program was provided, in
substantial part, through the efforts and support of Senate President M. Teresa
Paiva Weed. NBC 10 DownCity Studio was also very helpful, through the gracious
agreement by Chris Lanni, NBC10's News Director, to allow the Canteen to park
at their facility. Luby added, "The Salvation Army in Providence is thankful
and thrilled to be able to join the other faith-based and charitable
organizations helping provide meals and other services for the homeless and the
needy on a large scale effort. The size and needs of the homeless population in
the Greater Providence area are growing and we are striving to do the most we
can to meet these needs. We will continue to evaluate where can fill in any
gaps and hope to introduce additional mobile feeding sites in Pawtucket and
Woonsocket later on this year."
PROVIDENCE NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH BASKETBALL REBOUNDS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY!
PROVIDENCE – Salvation Army Captain Kipp Allen is recruiting future All-Americans for Providence! Where is the next Marvin Barnes? Captain Allen is looking for talent, and all kids qualify, no matter how bad their jump shot is! The Salvation Army Providence Corps Community Center at 386 Broad Street is running a youth basketball program two days a week. Open on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings, there are over 60 youths already participating. “Their ages range from as young as 12, up to as old as 24. Yes, one of my “teenagers is 24,” said Captain Kipp. We just want to get the kids involved. We want to provide an outlet for boys and girls to increase their physical and creative abilities in a safe environment while also helping the kids build their self-worth and self-esteem. We provide the guidance to help them become better adults. We offer a meal during the evening
program . . . “my specialty is Ravioli” . . . and we provide snacks and sandwiches on Saturdays.” The providence Corps had the opportunity to host their first annual tournament in October of 2010, where up to ten different teams competed for trophies and awards. The first place team won the rights to the name “2010 Citadel All Stars.”
And by the way . . . Marvin Barnes is a Providence native and clearly the greatest center and most talented frontcourt player in Providence College history. He still holds Providence game, season and career records for rebounds and blocks. He also spent four seasons in the NBA.
RHODE ISLAND FLOODS!
PROVIDENCE - It wasn't "40 days and forty nights,"
it just seemed like it! Rhode Island suffered through the rainiest March on
record. Rivers and streams have overflowed their banks, schools and businesses
have been closed, and many people have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Providence recorded more than 15" of rain.
Rhode Island Governor Don
Carcieri said, "We're in a serious, serious situation. The worst is still ahead
of us." The Governor called the flooding "another whack" at Rhode Island's
dismal economy. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is due to visit
the state soon to declare Rhode Island a "major disaster area." The Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been authorized by President Barack
Obama to coordinate efforts to help residents and businesses.
Lieutenant John C. Luby, State Co-Coordinator for The Salvation Army in Rhode
Island said, "this is what The Salvation Army does. Disasters come in, both
natural and manmade forms - always devastating to those involved. We have a
long history of helping people when they need it the most!"
The
Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Service vehicles have been deployed to
locations where they are needed desperately. The Salvation Army's first aim is
to meet the basic needs of those affected, both survivors and first responders
(such as firefighters). Serving coffee, water and food from our emergency
vehicles, our trained personnel are always available to meet emergencies by
providing food, shelter, clothing and spiritual comfort.
TRUE PARTNERS The Salvation Army & the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund
PROVIDENCE - The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a cooperative effort between Rhode Island's gas and electric companies and The Salvation Army of Rhode Island. Having been established in 1986, the fund has raised a total of more than $9 million dollars which has assisted over 36,500 families.
The Salvation Army maintains a separate account for the fund and controls distribution of the money for the specific purpose of paying energy bills. Funding comes from donations from the general public and businesses. The energy companies offer various matching and giving programs. Last year alone the Good Neighbor Energy Fund helped more than 2,275 families pay an electric, gas or oil bill. Jaime Comella, Director of Social Services for The salvation Army in Rhode Island said, "Year after year, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund has been making a significant impact throughout Rhode Island.... "
For additional information, please go to the GNEF web site: www.rigoodneighbor.com or call The Salvation Army at 401-831-1119.
SALVATION ARMY RESTRUCTURES EMERGENCY DISASTER PROGRAM
IN RHODE ISLAND
The recent downturn in the economy has hit everyone hard and The Salvation Army is not immune. "We have felt the economic impact tremendously," says Major Doug Burr, Rhode Island State Coordinator.
In light of significant economic challenges and resulting budgetary restrictions, the decision has been made to sell their property on 34 Commercial Street in Cranston, which now houses their Emergency Disaster Program.
Along with the sale of that property, The Salvation Army will be restructuring its entire Emergency Disaster program. As a part of this restructuring, The Salvation Army is dissolving its relationship with The Special Signal Corps and its volunteers.
The Salvation Army in Rhode Island will continue its Emergency and Disaster relief work with the help of Salvation Army personnel and volunteers. It is The Salvation Army's desire that no break in service be noticeable as the canteen trucks are relocated to new facilities in the area.
Donations to support this vital ongoing work in Rhode Island are always welcomed and can be sent to The Salvation Army's State Office at 1515 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910.
For further information, please contact The Salvation Army Rhode Island State Coordinator, Major Doug Burr at 490-0240.
THE ANNUAL CELEBRATE RHODE ISLAND BALL DONATES $105,000 TO
THE GOOD NEIGHBOR ENERGY FUND
On the evening of January 31st over 600
supporters of Salvation Army's Good Neighbor Energy Fund showed up at Rhodes on
The Pawtuxet in Cranston to dance to 60's music and assist needy Rhode
Islanders through the annual Celebrate Rhode Island Ball.
This year's event resulted in a donation of $105,000 to the
fund which is a joint venture of TSA and the utilities companies in the Ocean
State. Governor Don and first lady Sue
Carcieri started the fundraiser when he came into office 6 years ago.
This year's CoChairpersons were William Hatfield and Susie
Hatfield of Bank Of America and Dr.Irving and Carol Schneider of Johnson and
Wales University in Providence.
In addition to heating assistance, an auction was held and
raised funds for blankets which will purchased from Northwest Woolen Mills of
Woonsocket, Rhode Island. The blankets will be distributed to Good Neighbor
Energy recipients this winter.
Pictured are l to r at the Celebrate RI Ball - Dan Weekley 2008-2009 GNEF Chairman, Major Eduardo Suarez, Cpt. Keila Suarez, Chairpersons William and Susie Hatfield and Dr. Irving and Carol Schneider and Governor Don and First Lady Sue Carcieri
THE CVS CAREMARK CHARITY CLASSIC TOURNAMENT DISTRUBUTES
$1, 828,000 TO AREA NON-PROFITS
On December 22nd, the CVS Caremark Charity Classic awarded
The RI Salvation Army a grant for $30,000 and the Good Neighbor Energy Fund,
which is administered by the RISO, a grant for $20,000. These combined grants
totalling $50,000 were presented by Mr. Brad Faxon , Co-Chairman of the Golf
Tournament and Mr. Tom Ryan, CEO of CVS Caremark.
In this the tenth
year of the tournament, a total of $1,828,000 was distributed to non-profits in
the Rhode Island area. (Major Doug Burr the TSA RI Coordinator, is pictured between Mr. Faxon and Mr. Ryan)
THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION SUPPORTS
THE GOOD NEIGHBOR ENERGY FUND!
Wednesday, December 3rd was a huge day for The Rhode Island State Office of TSA . On that day the largest philanthropic foundation in the Ocean State bestowed a grant of $167,000 on the Good Neighbor Energy Fund . The grant was presented by Neil Steinberg, president and chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Foundation.
(Pictured in the photo are L to R Mr. Neil Steinberg, RI Foundation Pres and CEO, Major Doug Burr and Mr. George Graboys, Chm. Of the Bd of the R.I. Foundation and former CEO of Citizens Bank)
This unprecedented emergency donation was part of an overall $500,000 gift to assist three organizations in Rhode Island which provide the needy with food, shelter and heat. The other two recipients,which also received $167,000 each, were The R.I. Community Food Bank and Crossroads RI, the largest homeless shelter in the state.
In his remarks presented before the assembled press and dignitaries, Major Doug Burr, the State Coordinator for TSA, stated " This grant could not have come at a better time. It will allow us to assist over 500 additional families."
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund, administered by TSA since 1986, provides emergency grants up to $500 per heating season to help pay gas, oil and electric bills for families who do not qualify for the federal LIHEAP program.
The GNEF has raised more than $8 million and assisted over 34,000 needy families since its inception in 1986. Last year TSA reported that 2,275 families were aided by the GNEF.
FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $500,000 EMERGENCY COMMUNITY GRANT
Crossroads Rhode Island, Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund will share $500,000 equally to help Rhode Islanders face tough winter challenges.
Foundation President & CEO cites grant's immediate impact "statewide, providing direct services to Rhode Islanders in need.
Providence, December 3. Recognizing the Foundation's board of directors for their compassion and commitment, Rhode Island Foundation President and CEO Neil Steinberg today announced that the Foundation will make a one-time emergency community grant of $500,000 to be shared equally by three organizations serving clients statewide. Crossroads Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and the Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund are recipients of the grant.
"We saw the need to be responsive in these unusually stressful economic times," noted Steinberg, who made the announcement today at the Community Food Bank's Providence headquarters. "Thanks to the generosity of the hundreds of Rhode Islanders with funds at the Foundation, we are uniquely positioned to make these emergency dollars available for food, shelter, and heating assistance."
Steinberg said the Foundation board of directors had targeted these three agencies because, "they have a long track record of providing direct services to Rhode Islanders in need, and they provide these services statewide." He added, "As the only community foundation in Rhode Island, our board and staff felt strongly that we should reach out to residents throughout the state."
Anne Nolan, Crossroads Rhode Island's president, stated, "These funds will make it possible for us to extend our crisis intervention services more broadly to truly vulnerable Rhode Islanders. With the weather so brutal so early in the season, record numbers of people have sought shelter." Nolan added that Crossroads' newly opened women's shelter has been filled to capacity since early fall. "Rhode Islanders have been particularly hard hit by the national collapse of the mortgage market, by devastating unemployment, and the severity of the state's economic downturn. This grant will make an incredible difference," Nolan continued.
Rhode Island Community Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Schiff, citing statistics released last week in the Food Bank's annual status report on hunger, said, "Nearly 11 percent of all Rhode Island households - 47,000 households - struggle to put food on the table. One in six Rhode Island children currently grows up in a home where they are at risk for hunger because their parents cannot afford enough food. The price of groceries has increased six percent in the past year alone." Schiff was exuberant about the immediate effect of the Foundation's grant on Food Bank operations. "This grant will provide 400,000 pounds of food - enough to fill the entire warehouse and ensure that all of our emergency food programs have enough food for the winter."
The Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund, available to any Rhode Islander who cannot meet a month's energy expense and has not qualified for or received federal or state energy assistance funds, helped more than 2,200 families last year. "We anticipate with these funds we will be able to extend a helping hand to more than 500 additional residents," noted Program Director Major Douglas Burr, adding, "The generosity of our fellow Rhode Islanders will make this season far more comfortable for those who are struggling to get by."
Steinberg emphasized that while this one-time, emergency grant is a departure from the Foundation's usual grantmaking practices, there was unanimous agreement that, "This is a pivotal moment, when those who have the means must dig deep and give more." He added, "We are not issuing a formal challenge to Rhode Islanders to join us, but we will be thrilled if this grant inspires people to increase their charitable contributions at a time of tremendous need in our state."
The Rhode Island Foundation was founded in 1916 and is one of the nation's largest and oldest charitable organizations serving a specific geographic community.
REPRINTED FROM THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION WEBSITE.
SLATERSVILLE CHURCH WALK
FOR WARM DONATION
On Sunday, November 23rd Majors Doug and Debbie Burr along with Good Neighbor Energy Board member Ted Grille of the Pascoag Utility District travelled to Slatersville, Rhode Island to accept a $23,000 donation from the members of the Slatersville Congregational Church.
The monies were raise by the members of the Church through a "Walk for Warmth " fundraiser which they recently held to support The Salvation Army's Good Neighbor Energy Fund in Rhode Island.
(Photo - left to right: Theodore G Garille, General Manager/CEO,, Pascoag Utility District Major Debbie Burr, Rhode Island State Coordinator, The Salvation Army Major Doug Burr, Rhode Island State Coordinator, The Salvation Army Annice Smith, Mission Committee, Walk for Warmth organizer, Slatersville Congregational Church Margaret Hanoian, Mission Committee Chair, Walk for Warmth organizer, Slatersville Congregational Church Reverend Eileen Morris, Pastor, Slatersville Congregational Church)
CITIZENS BANK HELPS RING IN SALVATION ARMY KETTLE DRIVE
Written by HOWELL, JOHN,
Reprinted from Warwickonline.com
(pictured left to right: Major Doug Burr, Jeanne Cola, Vice President of Citizens Bank, Linda Hunt Branch Manager, Mayor Scott Avedisian of the City of Warwick)
Chewing gum, safety pins, tokens, pills, bits of hardware, a diamond ring and loose change - some of it foreign currency - is all part of what the Salvation Army finds in its holiday kettles.
Did we say diamond ring?
Yes, says Major Doug Burr, state coordinator for the Salvation Army in Rhode Island.
The ring was one of those surprises that was even a surprise to the donor. The ring didn't stay lost for too long however, as its owner realized what they had done and after connecting with The Salvation Army it was returned.
Burr is again counting on the generosity of folks to dig deep into their pockets and their wallets at 45 kettles across the state.
While the state of the economy has people queasy and questioning what they should be spending on Christmas gifts, Burr is optimistic the kettle campaign will do well because people will still part with pocket change, and unknowingly other stuff that may be in their pockets as well.
On Friday The Salvation Army got a big boost toward its goal to raise $300,000. For the second consecutive year the Citizens Bank Foundation stepped forward with a $25,000 matching challenge for donations collected in green - that's Citizens' green - kettles at 10 Stop & Shop supermarkets in the state. Kettles elsewhere are red but the green kettles can be found at two Warwick stores, the Cowesett store at 300 Quaker Lane and Meadowbrook at 2485 Warwick Ave.
To start the ball rolling, or rather the donations flowing, Mayor Scott Avedisian joined bank, Salvation Army and store representatives Friday morning in Meadowbrook. Avedisian got into the mood of the moment, donning a Salvation Army apron and ringing a kettle bell. Shoppers recognized him and paused, leaning on their carriages to see what would happen next. Avedisian pulled a dollar out from his own pocket, neatly folding it before slipping it into the bucket. Others joined in.
Burr said The Salvation Army won't rely on such volunteers for bell ringers. Rather, people are paid to do it and given the high rate of unemployment, Burr observes the campaign provides jobs while helping underwrite year-round programs.
The bell ringing jobs are in such demand, said Burr, "That we have more workers than pots."
"The Salvation Army does so many good things for so many people," said Jeanne Cola of Citizens. Avedisian said the campaign helps connect people to the needs of the community.
Among the programs donations will help support is the emergency disaster program, the Good Neighbor program to assist people with heating bills and a variety of social service programs. Last year's collections provided food, toys and clothing for more than 3,000 families.
Burr said in addition to its programs, The Salvation Army has two churches. It is operated on a budget of $3 million.
RHODE ISLAND KICKS OFF THE "WARM THY NEIGHBOR" CAMPAIGN
FOR 2008-2009
On Thursday,
November 6th the General Treasurer of Rhode Island Frank Caprio was
the keynote speaker of the kick-off breakfast for TSA's ‘Warm Thy Neighbor " campaign for 2008-2009.
With the uncertain economy and relatively high energy prices in mind, The Good
Neighbor Energy Fund's goal this year has been set at $600,000.
Treasurer
Caprio thanked the nearly 90 people in attendence at the breakfast which was
held in the Army's Child-Care Center at
20 Miner Street in South Providence. Many of the attendees were service
representatives from the 39 cities and towns of the Ocean State.
They are the
individuals who do the intake work involved in processing the requests for
energy assistance from needy people all around Rhode Island.
This year's
Chairman of the GNEF is Dan Weekly, Managing Director of Northeast Government
Affairs for Dominion Resources, one of the energy companies which comprise the
Board of the GNEF. "Last year's campaign raised the second highest donation
total in the Fund's history, but more important is the more than 2,275 families
the Fund assisted," said Mr. Weekly.
Each of the
participating companies, which include National Grid, Dominion Resources, FPL's
R.I.State Energy Center, Pascoag Utility District, and Trans-Canada's Ocean
State Power, made their donations in advance so that eligible families in need
may be helped immediately.
SALVATION ARMY, CVS, VOLUNTEERS AND GOLF
A Great Foresome.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Salvation Army recruited 80 volunteers who acted as ambassadors and parking attendants for the CVS Caremark Charity Classic. Rhode Island State Coordinators, Majors Doug and Debbie Burr were in attendance all 3 days as was Frank Sullivan, Development Director of Rhode Island. Volunteers encompassed staff, friends, and family members who did not let a hail storm and torrential rains dampen their enthusiasm. Ann Evans, Southern New England’s Donor Relations Director stated, “The event was terrific. The volunteers were enthusiastic and Major Doug Burr had the opportunity to thank several corporate sponsors on behalf of the Army. We are appreciative of CVS’ past support and look forward to continuing our relationship with them.” This is the tenth anniversary of the Golf Tournament which was started by professional golfers Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade and has contributed over 10 million dollars to various charities in the Ocean State. Mr. Tom Ryan, the CEO of CVS, is the driving force behind the tournament and is a member of the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington where the Tournament is held. Pro golfers, Bubba Watson and Camilo Villegas emerged as the 2008 CVS Caremark Charity Classic champions.
IN THE COLD, PEOPLE FIND REAL WARM IN RHODE ISLAND
We should all do as Jaime Cassidy has done. Not everything, of course, but a little bit. Most of us are not going to spend 2½ years in El Salvador with the Peace Corps or go to Sierra Leone to work in a nutrition program with UNICEF.
But we can look more closely into the face of need. We can try for some perspective on what living with less really means.
"I know people can live with meager means and be happy," says Cassidy.
She is in her office at the Salvation Army's wonderful daycare center on Miner Street in South Providence. On a beautiful spring morning, the center is filled with the sounds of very young children being very young in a safe, caring place.
Click here for the rest of the story.
Reprinted from the Providence Journal
SALVATION ARMY IN RHODE ISLAND RECEIVES $120,000 CHECK
PROVIDENCE - Nearly sixty people were in attendance in the State Room of the Rhode Island Capitol on Friday, February 15, 2008 as Governor Don and Sue Carcieri presented a check for $120,000 to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund of The Salvation Army in the Ocean State.
The check was part of a ceremony honoring the numerous volunteers and members of the Celebrate Rhode Island Committee which for the last five years has held a gala to raise funds for heating assistance. The ball was held on January 18th this year and the net proceeds go to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund , which provides grants of up to $500 per family for those who are in crisis and do not qualify for other forms of heating aid.
Governor Carcieri and his wife Sue came up with the idea for the ball when they assumed office in 2003. It provides assistance to Rhode Islanders in temporary financial crisis who are not income eligible for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Many of the volunteers who organize the fundraiser are students at the local Johnson and Wales University in Providence and they were given individual certificates of appreciation by Governor Carcieri and his wife. Nearly $500,000 has been now donated by the Celebrate Rhode Island Committee to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund over the last five years.
In addition this year the Governor and his wife came up with idea of purchasing 100 warm blankets for some of the needy recipients of the Good Neighbor Energy Fund Grants. The blankets were purchased with an additional $8,000 which was raised at an auction during this year’s ball.
A Heartwarming Midwinter Event
Reprinted From The Providence Journal
01:00 AM EST on Sunday, January 27, 2008
PROVIDENCE - Rhode Island First Lady Suzanne "Sue" Carcieri had been looking forward to the third Celebrate Rhode Island black-tie soiree. After all, it was her idea to throw this annual midwinter party to raise money for heating assistance for the working poor. She wanted the party to remind Rhode Islanders, she said, "What a terrific state we live in." With oil topping $3-per-gallon, this year's party seemed to take on a little more urgency.
It made her feel good to observe the 600 guests on Jan. 19 at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet having fun, she said. "There's a nice cross-section of the state here tonight. Everyone seems happy."
From left are Paul and Libba Choquette, Governor Carcieri and his wife, Suzanne, and Kati and Ronald Machtley.
The event raised $120,000 for the more than two-decades-old Good Neighbor Energy Fund, which is administered by the Salvation Army. The fund, which totals about $600,000 each year, offers grants of no more than about $500 to Rhode Islanders who have financial need but are not eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. "The fund is for people who are going to fall through the cracks," said Frank Sullivan, the Army's development and public relations director. "We realized there was great need out there, and this winter will be an especially tough year with oil price through the roof." Representatives of the about 65-year-old Northwest Woolen Mills of Woonsocket set up a booth where they were encouraging guests to buy blankets that they planned to donate to the poor. More than 70 sold. The company, which manufactures blankets for the military, federal prisons and disaster-relief efforts, packages each blanket with a pamphlet listing tips on conserving energy.
"An extra blanket can make a big difference," said Donna Montaquila, who oversees the 3-year-old blanket-donation program called the HeatSmart Campaign. "We realized that there was a need for a program to help the needy live in a cold climate. We want the people here tonight to be aware that attending this event, and by investing in blankets, they have helped the needy and working poor."
Gilbane's Paul Choquette, his wife, Elizabeth "Libba" Choquette, Bryant College's Ron Machtley and his wife, Kati, co-chaired the party; Channel 10's John Ghiorse emceed the event, which was attended by Majors Doug and Debbie Burr, who last summer stepped into the role of statewide coordinators for the Salvation Army. "This party makes you feel warm all over twice," added the First Lady of Rhode Island, who attended with her husband, Governor Carcieri. "At the party, you feel the warmth of friends and then the proceeds go to warm people."