Bishop turns on ‘heat’
PROVIDENCE - With gratitude, Cecelia Jackson accepted a $229 check from Bishop Thomas J. Tobin - payment for 100 gallons of fuel oil, delivered to her home on Lynch Street by Nick from Micheletti Oil Co. of Johnston. The exchange, signaling the launch of the second annual “Keep the Heat On” challenge, took place Oct. 31 - one year to the day of the launch of the first successful challenge which raised $185,736.38 - $110,736.38 from more than 500 donors with a matching grant of $75,000 from the Diocese of Providence.
The bishop commented that the press conference, held one week before Election Day, was one of few that were taking place that did not involve politics. He said the warm weather that day reminded him of similar temperatures a year earlier. “But we know it will get cold and no Rhode Island family or individual should be forced to endure frigid temperatures in their own home,” Bishop Tobin said. “Through ‘Keep the Heat On,’ the church will strive to help those facing financial difficulties keep their homes and families warm during the winter months.”
The bishop expressed hope that this year’s challenge will do as well or better than last year’s. He said about 400 individuals and families were helped to warm their homes last winter thanks to contributions. “The ‘Keep the Heat On’ fund is supported by generous donors,” the bishop said. Again, this year, the diocese will match the money raised, dollar-for-dollar, up to $75,000.
The campaign’s goal remains the same: To provide heating assistance to struggling individuals and families who have exhausted all other public and private means. The fund will again this year be administered by the Interfaith Community Dire Emergency Fund, an agency for those in just such a crisis, who have exhausted all other means of assistance. The office is coordinated by Richard Andrade, under the umbrella of the diocesan office of Community Services and Advocacy headed by John J. Barry III, secretary for Social Ministry, both of whom were also present at the press conference.
Bishop Tobin thanked Jackson for helping to launch this year’s campaign and presented his personal donation to Barry.
Jackson thanked the bishop and said she will help spread the word to desperate friends, relatives and neighbors that the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Providence is willing to help them. Watching the oil being pumped into Jackson’s home and hearing the typical high-pitched whistle that occurs during the process, the bishop commented that the sound must be “music to your ears.” Jackson agreed that “it is a wonderful sound.”
Pleased to represent the launch of such a wonderful campaign, Jackson said, “No one should be without heat in the winter.” Bishop Tobin said, “The diocese and families who were assisted last year are really grateful for the generosity of those who supported (the fund)…. Many families still face great financial challenges with the skyrocketing cost of housing, coupled with higher than usual heating costs. ‘Keep the Heat On’ is but one way we can help our neighbors in need.”
This year, those who wish to donate to “Keep the Heat On” have two options: Send a check, payable to the Interfaith Community Dire Emergency Fund, 184 Broad St., Providence, RI 02903, and note “Keep the Heat On” on the check; or visit www.heatri.com and use the secure Web server for credit card donations. The site also provides information about the program and how to receive assistance.
On Dec. 3, at 3 p.m., in the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul, the Gregorian Concert Choir and Orchestra will perform a concert, “Sounds of the Season,” featuring the music of Advent and Christmas. Proceeds will benefit “Keep the Heat On.” For tickets or more information, call 331-2434.
This article originally published in the Providence Visitor.