Just Energy Helps Brighten Thanksgiving for Those in Need with Third Annual Turkey Donation Drive

YONKERS, New York, Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanksgiving will be a little more complete this year for some local residents in the U.S. East thanks to a substantial donation of turkeys by Just Energy regional sales offices in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.  

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As an effort to give back to the communities they serve, sales teams in Upstate New York, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore (Towson), Maryland donated more than 2000 lbs of the traditional Thanksgiving staple. The turkey drive was initiated three years ago by Patrick Gilliland, a Just Energy Regional Distributor in Westchester, NY and an active supporter of his community. Many Just Energy representatives contributed personal time and expense toward the donations, who, inspired by Patrick, expanded the drive outside New York this year to include communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

"We are tremendously proud of our Independent Sales Representatives who take the time and the initiative to recognize others in need," says Darren Pritchett, Executive Vice President of Consumer Sales at Just Energy. "This time of year proves even more challenging for many who are struggling to make ends meet. We hope this gesture will help lighten the burden as we strive to live and inspire our core values of responsibility and contribution across every one of our operating markets."

"Being in the fortunate position that I'm in, I feel compelled to help others in need every opportunity I get," says Ali Zamany, National Regional Distributor at Just Energy. As for Patrick Gilliland, "Growing up as one of six kids, my family lived on a very tight budget, often relying on the Salvation Army as well as food assistance programs," he says. "I always promised myself that when I had more than I needed, I would be sure to give back."

"We are very grateful for the donation provided by Just Energy and their kind generosity towards others in need," said Clair Wares from the Salvation Army in Westchester. "With this donation, we have been able to provide a Thanksgiving turkey to all the families who have come to us for support."

The organizations in Upstate New York to receive the turkeys are My Sisters Place, Salvation Army, Free Sharing Community Soup Kitchen and the Gospel Mission Men's Shelter. In Philadelphia, the Salvation Army and Philabundance; and in Towson, The Safe Haven Shelter, The Marian House, as well as the Salvation Army in Baltimore. These organizations provide valuable social services such as assistance to victims of domestic violence, health and legal services, shelter, education, food assistance and more.

About Just Energy
Established in 1997, Just Energy (NYSE:JE and TSX:JE) is primarily a competitive retailer of natural gas and electricity. With offices located across the United States, Canada and now the United Kingdom, Just Energy serves close to 2 million residential and commercial customers through a wide range of energy programs and home comfort services, including fixed-price or price-protected energy program contracts, the rental of water heaters, furnaces and air conditioners and the installation of solar panels. The Company's JustGreen® products provide consumers with the ability to help them reduce the environmental impact of their everyday energy use.  Just Energy is the parent to Amigo Energy, Commerce Energy, Hudson Energy, Hudson Energy Solar, National Home Services, Momentis, Tara Energy and Terra Grain Fuels. Visit www.justgreencommunity.com to learn more about JustGreen Lifestyle.  Also, find us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Just Energy