Merchants Bank to match WARMTH donations

Merchants Bank, with branches in Springfield, Bellows Falls and Manchester, is partnering with WARMTH again this year to help low income Vermonters across the state with paying for heat this winter.

WARMTH is a statewide emergency-based program – administered by Community Action Agencies – that utilizes privately donated funds to help keep low-income households from going without heat during the winter. Merchants Bank will match dollar-for-dollar all donations raised for WARMTH now through Dec. 31, 2015, up to $40,000.

The $40,000 challenge grant will be distributed by Champlain Valley Office for Economic Opportunity for use by all five community action agencies statewide. Eligibility is based on household income as a percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Applicants must be within five to seven days of running out of bulk fuel or in danger of having their utility service disconnected.

“It’s important we help our neighbors stay warm during these unpredictable winter months,” said Geoffrey Hesslink, president of Merchants Bank.

During last year’s heating season, WARMTH helped more than 3,600 households, a number that is expected to rise this year due in part to a significant reduction in assistance available from the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding over the last few years.

To learn more about making a donation as part of this challenge grant, visit MBVT.com. One hundred percent of all donations will be used for WARMTH client services.

To apply for home heating assistance, contact your local Community Action Agency. Vermonters age 60 and older may also call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for assistance. Agency offices for southeastern Vermont are:

• Springfield – (802) 885-6153
• Westminster – 1-800-464-9951 or (802) 722-4575
• Hartford – (802) 295-5215
• Brattleboro – (802) 254-2795