Global Partners has announced a $100,000 commitment to support winter heating assistance for Massachusetts families through direct contributions to community action agencies across the state.
The contribution builds on Global’s longstanding practice of donating heating oil each winter to help families in need. This year, Global is providing direct financial support to community organizations. The commitment comes as households prepare for the winter heating season and community organizations work to meet the needs of families facing higher costs for everyday essentials.
“My grandfather started delivering heating oil door to door in the 1930s. He believed that keeping people warm was more than a business. It was a responsibility to the neighbors who counted on him,” said Eric Slifka, president and CEO of Global Partners. “Nearly a century later, that belief still guides us. A New England winter can be hard on families, and we want to support the organizations that know their communities best and are already showing up for people every day.”
Global will provide cash contributions directly to community action agencies, allowing the organizations to use the funding to support winter heating assistance based on the needs of the communities they serve.
“As they have so many times in the past, Global has responded to this crisis by keeping the people we serve in the forefront,” said Joe Diamond, executive director of MASSCAP. “Thousands of vulnerable households are struggling under the weight of an unprecedented energy burden driven by higher than ever home heating oil prices. Global’s donation to help those participating in the federal HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) and middle-income households is a critical part of the public/private partnership the Governor initiated earlier this month.
“As we head into the colder months, we know that heating costs can put additional pressure on families already balancing the cost of everyday necessities,” said Fidel Maltez, Chelsea City Manager. “Investments like this put resources into the hands of trusted community organizations that work directly with our residents. We appreciate Global Partners stepping up to support families here in Chelsea and across Massachusetts this winter.”
The $100,000 Massachusetts heating assistance commitment is separate from additional regional contributions Global is planning to make to organizations supporting winter energy needs.
It also follows Global’s recently announced additional $50,000 contribution to The Greater Boston Food Bank to help offset fuel costs associated with delivering food throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Together, according to a statement from the retailer, the efforts reflect a focus on two basic household needs during the winter months: staying warm and putting food on the table.
“Whether it’s heating a home or getting food to a family, energy plays a role in meeting essential needs,” Slifka said. “The organizations we’re supporting know their communities and are doing this work every day. We’re proud to help them reach more families this winter.”
