PeopleCare Program - Helping Those in Need in Michigan

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Oct 03, 2011, 06:30 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For those in need in Michigan, the coming colder temperatures are a brisk reminder of the challenge of meeting basic needs. That's why The Salvation Army and Consumers Energy are encouraging contributions to the PeopleCare program.

Nearly 10,000 families in Michigan received emergency help of some kind last year through PeopleCare. With cuts in various public assistance programs, the need is expected to be even greater this year.

Consumers Energy is providing $1.5 million in bill credits to PeopleCare in 2011. A PeopleCare appeal is featured in the utility's Newsline being received in October by 2.9 million customers. An employee campaign will also run through October in tandem with the customer appeal.

Consumers Energy customers can support PeopleCare's work of helping Michigan families by a variety of payment methods. Customers may donate $3 a month or make a one-time donation of $5 by checking one of the boxes at the top of their October bill. If they'd like to contribute a different amount, they can fill out the form in Newsline and return it with their Consumers Energy bill. Donations may also be made online at www.usc.salvationarmy.org/peoplecare.

Other contributions may be sent to:

PeopleCare
Consumers Energy
Lansing, MI 48937-0001

"Michigan's struggling economy has impacted all residents, especially those on limited income and the unemployed. Moreover, with cold weather fast approaching and growing numbers of families receiving slimmer public assistance, it's a critical time for private help to step in and help fill gaps. Contributions to PeopleCare do just that, helping our neighbors with quick, direct assistance for any emergency need, skillfully delivered by the Salvation Army," said Whitney Skeans, the utility's customer assistance coordinator.

Since it was established in 1983, PeopleCare has helped nearly 340,000 households in Michigan. Consumers Energy employees and customers have donated over $15.3 million to support PeopleCare, and the utility has contributed $30 million in energy bill credits, for total support of $45.3 million. To learn more about how the program works and read scenarios of families helped by PeopleCare, or to download a brochure, visit www.consumersenergy.com/peoplecare.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our website at www.consumersenergy.com Find and "like" us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

SOURCE Consumers Energy