I haven't shared this with you yet

miki

miki

New member
I know that some might have seen me post about it elsewhere and wonder how come I didn't share the news here but, I thought I would explain why I haven't. For the last couple days I have tried to post a couple threads here and the screen goes to "page cannot be displayed". Well, by that time all words typed are lost and I finally had to give up. Don't know if it's my dial up speed or what but, now I will share it with you.

This is something I am proud of, I might not be the best at writing but, can you imagine how it felt to see this published in the front section of our newspaper? I was beyond excited, the compliments from the publisher made my day as well. I have received a few replies to the website where they published the article as well. I can't give you that link for privacy issues, too many people like to "start trouble"...hope you can understand. Anyways, this was printed on the 18th, I need to call them and ask if I can purchase 2 extra copies to mail to my parents in CA. I have always wanted to send in an article to the newspaper and finally pulled my thoughts together and did it.This felt great to speak on behalf of those who need someone to stand up for them.


XXXXXXXXXXX letter to editor
1/18/2008

Letter to the editor

Reader urges policy change to allow smaller quantity propane purchases

While costs are rising, wages remain the same, more families are struggling to make ends meet and some are even suffering in the process. At this moment in time, society should be working together. It appears as if companies are still out there trying to make that “almighty buck” that has become to hard to come by. They do not give consideration to the consumers who are facing the brink of poverty as time goes on.

There needs to be an overhaul on a number of company product restrictions out there to help those less fortunate. Take oil/propane companies for instance. While the owners and employees are at home enjoying the nice warmth they are fortunate to afford, there are families out there who agonize over how to warm their home. At least some of the propane companies in XXXXXX and surrounding counties require you to purchase a minimum of 100 gallons of gas at one time. Not every family caan afford to shell out between $300-$400 at once. These companies can care less about whether or not you have children or cannot afford to purchase the required amount at once. Instead, a generic “I’m sorry, there is nothing I can do for you” is mentioned when you call them in an emergency.

This brings tears to my eyes knowing how many individuals are out there struggling to keep their family warm and there is nothing that can be done. The weather is becoming colder, conditions are worsening, and yet, nothing is being done to meet these needs.

These families are not asking for a handout, they are merely asking for options such as lower required purchase amounts in an emergency, payment plans, etc. We as a society should be considering those who are already struggling to make ends meet and come up with more options to help the less fortunate instead of watching them do without while there are several who have no worries and live contentedly, not having to make tough choices or sacrifice precious priorities.

In this time of recession, let’s remember those who are less fortunate than you may be. Let’s come together as a whole and observe ways to help those who need it without demeaning them in the process. Let’s give them a hand up with more options available. It may perhaps be you one day that might require this assistance.
 
inthesticks said:
So, what would be your solution to this problem, other than bringing the issue to people's attention?
Click to expand...

Well, honestly, the only solutions I can think of at this time is to either lower the required purchase minimums for those who may need it or start a possible fund for families in need. I was notified that there is a program in a couple towns over that help with this need if a family qualifies. I haven't put a lot of thought into other options as of this time except for what I had posted in the article.


ETA: I suppose I just wanted to "open eyes" with these companies. I know several families going through this issue right now.
 
What a wonderful letter! We are lucky that we live in an area where we have the option of making payments ~ yes, we still have the 100 gallon limit, but our propane company will let you make payments ~ thank goodness!! I don't know what many in our community would do without the option! The prices are unreal ~ we have a 1000 gallon tank and they always want you to fill it to 50% ~ yea, I bet they do! Our tank is bigger than the average person's, but a $1000.00 to fill up the propane tank hurts no matter which way you slice it!!

Thanks for giving a voice to those that may not be able to do it for themselves! With everything as expensive as it is, it is hard to thing of people having to choose between food, heat, or medications ~ it shouldn't have to be a choice!!
 
:sunny: Nice going Miki! That was a great article, you should be proud. Most communities do have a Community Action Agency that can help folks with heating bills. Perhaps you could make some inquiries and do a followup of agencies that offer assistance.
 
Thank you.

Ping, so glad you have the options of making payments! I have a 250-300 gallon tank. Before I moved here we had natural gas in the city, I never had to deal with propane. Heck, imagine my surprise when the fireplaces I have seen out here are enclosed "heating furnace", a LARGE metal box in the middle of your floor. I love real fireplaces but, I don't think I have seen one used yet out here.

Pmeek, there is only 1 place that will help with the costs. I was informed of this, they are located a couple towns over and there are income limits. They will help a family once per year. I think I will post that in a reply to the website. I considered trying to come up with a list of different resources to help families in need but, I am having trouble finding them. I have been researching though. I *think* there is a food bank in town that is open to the public once per week and I don't think many people I know, know's about the place. I found it while researching online.
 
I don't know if it is available where you are miki, but our schools have a Family Resource Center and they will help families with children get help. They could possibly give you some info if you have them where you are. Our is ran by the most caring lady, they have had their budget cut over and over and she still finds a way to help the families in need! It is a wonderful program that is going to end up being cut out by state though soon!
 
That is a great idea, thanks. I wish I had the means to start a center to help those who need it. Maybe, one day I will be able to. It is really rewarding but, until I can help these people, at least I can be a voice.

At first, I didn't want my name published because, I had a fear of retaliation by some of these companies (Especially the propane company that serves my house) but, after discussing it with my husband and the publisher, we mutually agreed to use my name. I don't really know what I was afraid of at first and I didn't use any particular company names in the article (covered my behind there in case of "slander" issues).
 
:sunny: You might also check with the county's Department of Social Services. They should be keeping a list of services besides their own available to people in your county.
 
When we first moved here I received a call from the school during our first christmas. They told me that the Women's club was sponsoring some families for christmas and they asked if I wanted to be on the list. I declined and told them to please help a family that could use it more. I think I will call the Women's club and ask if they have a list of resources also.

The only problem is that these towns are fairly small, resources are limited and spread into other towns and counties, it is a problem for some people to travel if they don't have the transportation. (no public transportation anywhere).

I do know that the Lions club will help pay for a child's glasses, a couple towns over will assist with light/heating bill once per year, the possible food bank in one town once a week, angel food ministries once per month at a low cost, Woman's club sponsors families during christmas time, another county about an hour away will assist with lowered dental services but, only if you have income coming in and can prove it....I really should write out a list and create a flyer or something.
 
That is a great article! :sunny:
Things are so bad around where I live, that the power company has electric meters which can be activated by prepaid cards. Instead of having a regular power bill, really poor people can buy these cards to stick in the meter, and use them to "buy" blocks of power. People leave their power off all day, then turn it on when they get home, after buying $5 worth of electricity. They can't have a fridge like that so most of them use coolers and buy ice. But this service means that people who would otherwise not have electricity can at least do their laundry, heat water for a bath or watch TV for a few hours a day. As the economy gets worse this kind of thing may become more common.
http://topics.energycentral.com/centers/datamanage/view/detail.cfm?aid=1064
 
miki I did read your article at the other place and I thought it was a wonderful article but had no way of saying so until now. :laughing: You took the time to think about what you wanted to say and it's well written.

I'm so glad they published it.
 
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