As a community relations manager for Piedmont Natural Gas, the residents of the towns and cities that Piedmont serves are never far from my thoughts. That includes thinking about how we can aid and protect the most vulnerable in our communities. For many of us, the holiday season is in full swing, but it’s also a time when many of our friends and neighbors may be struggling financially, even if we don’t realize it.
One way we can help lift those people up is through Piedmont’s Share the Warmth program. For no more than $12 a year, Piedmont customers can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. Once enrolled in Share the Warmth, your monthly natural gas bill is rounded up to the next dollar, and 100% of that difference is donated to approved local assistance agencies to help those in your community who are having difficulty paying their energy bills.
Recipients do not need to be Piedmont customers or even use natural gas to receive Share the Warmth funds; the program truly is about helping those in our community who may need aid, regardless of the energy source used in their homes.
Since 2003, Piedmont and round-up customers have contributed more than $4.7 million to the Share the Warmth fund. That’s 4.7 million ways to help someone less fortunate sleep easier in a warm house with paid energy bills during the winter season and year-round.
Piedmont also accepts direct donations from non-customers who want to help or customers who’d like to contribute more than their round-up amount. More information on the program and how to enroll or contribute is available at piedmontng.com/sharethewarmth.
As you may be reflecting on your blessings and thinking of ways to share the giving spirit with your friends and loved ones this holiday season, please consider rounding up to Share the Warmth. Your small change can make a big difference to someone fighting to make ends meet and truly give them something to be thankful for.
Tammy Thurman is community relations manager for Piedmont Natural Gas.
