2008 marks the third year that Loudoun Cares, National Electronics Warranty Inc. (NEW), the Loudoun County Department of Family Services and generous partners from the local faith community have joined forces and resources to keep area residents warm during winter.

This year, as in years past, NEW, helped launch the effort with a generous $7,500 donation to Loudoun Cares and a challenge to the interfaith community and other compassionate donors to match it. Our goal is to more than match the NEW contribution and raise $20,000 this year. Every penny of the funds raised goes to help low-income families pay utility costs. This creative partnership is rounded out by the Loudoun County Department of Family Services which has well-trained staff who take applications and carefully determine the eligibility of families seeking assistance.

Last year the Department of Family Services used these funds to prevent cutoffs or facilitate reconnections for 185 area residents living in 51 households. This amounts to an average payment of $274.00 per family.