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"Families that have helped or donated to fuel banks in the past may need help themselves," she said. "It is going to be a cold and expensive winter for many Connecticut families. The town of East Hartford is happy that American Eagle is doing its part in helping those in need," she noted. "We hope residents and business leaders contribute to this worthwhile energy assistance campaign."
WDRC-AM 1360 Talk of Connecticut morning radio host Brad Davis will kick off the effort with a live broadcast of his popular morning radio show from the lobby of American Eagle FCU's Main Office at 417 Main St. this Friday, October 24.
Brad's show, airs from 5:30 to 10 a.m., will focus on the high costs of heating homes this winter. Guests will share information about various energy programs in the area available to those in need, and give tips on staying warm.
On-air invited guests include CT Gov. M. Jodi Rell; Patricia Wrice, Executive Director, Operation Fuel; Gloria Stokes, East Hartford Fire Marshal; Melody A. Currey, Mayor of East Hartford; Jo-Ann Dorn and James Cordier, Director of East Hartford Social Services; Richard Kehoe, East Hartford Town Council Chairman; Mary Beth Reid, the Executive Director of the East Hartford Chamber of Commerce and Guy LaBella, its president.
Also invited are Mark Scheinberg, President, Goodwin College; Heather Summerer, Public Affairs Manager, Pratt and Whitney; Raymond Necci, President and COO, CL&P and Yankee Gas Services Company; John Dobos, Jr., Director of Marketing and Public Affairs, CT Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas; Bruce Deitch, Owner, Kasden Fuel Company; and William J. Dokas, President & CEO of American Eagle FCU.
During the radio broadcast, Dokas plans to present a check for $5,000 to the local fuel bank as a means of challenging other businesses to step forward.
In a local community television show aired earlier this week, Mayor Currey also promoted the idea she proposed to Brad Davis when they met earlier. "Brad Davis does so much for Connecticut, and he does it all so willingly," said Mayor Currey.
To donate at the American Eagle office in East Hartford, checks should be made out to "Town of East Hartford Energy Assistance Fund." Other towns where American Eagle branches are located will also earmark donations for those towns. At credit union branches in Bloomfield, Cheshire, Cromwell, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hartford, Manchester, Middletown, Plainville, South Windsor, and Vernon, make your check payable to the name of the town where the donation is being made, and write "Energy Assistance Fund."
Also, anyone wishing to deposit a donation check before or after regular business hours may drop it into the night deposit box at the East Hartford Main Street office or at the drive-thru teller windows.
According to Dokas, any business that makes a donation of $100 or more during the campaign will be recognized on American Eagle's web site. A list of business donors will also appear in the Hartford Business Journal, The East Hartford Gazette and other area newspapers. Business owners who bring a donation to American Eagle's Main Street Office in East Hartford on Friday, October 24, during the live broadcast will receive on-air recognition from Brad Davis.
Donors may also make an electronic donation to their respective town energy assistance fund by going to www.operationfuel.org from October 24 through November 8. American Eagle FCU, the town of East Hartford, state of Connecticut and area chambers/businesses have agreed to create a link to Operation Fuel's web site so more people can participate.
Contributions to your town's Energy Assistance Fund qualifies as a charitable contribution under IRS Code Section 170(b)(1)(A). The town that receives your check donation may send you a letter as additional documentation for your tax files.
