Connecticut Home Heating Oil Dealers Association Teams Up with Operation Fuel’s Warm Thy Neighbor Program to Provide Oil to Needy

January 21, 2008 (Cromwell, CT) – The Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association has partnered with Operation Fuel to supply home heating oil to some of Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents this winter.

“With cost of oil as high as it is, a lot of people – particularly those on fixed incomes – have had a hard time paying for fuel this winter,” Gene Guilford, the executive director of the ICPA, said. “Our members are deeply committed to their communities, and this is another way that we can reach out to people who are having a tough time and help them get through it.”

Operation Fuel has provided emergency energy assistance to low-income families, the elderly and the disabled in Connecticut for more than 30 years. This is the first year that the ICPA has participated, Guilford said, adding that the organization has hopes to raise at least $50,000 with the inaugural effort.

Guilford said that, starting with the next billing cycle, customers who buy fuel from ICPA member dealers will receive an pre-addressed envelope, which can be used to make a donation directly to Operation Fuel. The envelope also directs customers to a web site where they can learn more about the program and how to get involved, Guilford said.

“A lot of people are looking to Operation Fuel to help them stay warm in the months ahead,” Guilford said. “We are proud to be a part of this effort.”

More information about Operation Fuel can be found at www.operationfuel.org, Guilford said, and at www.icpa.org.