This winter, you have an opportunity to share light and warmth with your neighbors.

Partner with 52 M.O.M.S. and Helping Hands in a Share the Light project to benefit Oktibbeha County residents.   We know that temperatures will lower this winter while gas and electricity prices will increase. While we bundle up in our heated blankets, clothe ourselves in flannelled coats, and adjust our thermostats to warm our family’s home, others will lack the resources to be so comfortable. This lack of resources will be especially felt by those people most in need in our community (working poor, elderly, single parent families, disabled, and seriously ill). Helping Hands, a local non-profit organization originally formed in 1998 by over 70 local churches, has served as a clearinghouse for those in need. They screen requests and verify need and then dispense funds for crisis situations.

52 M.O.M.S. applauds the mission of Helping Hands and we desire to team with them this winter on a creative mission that is inspired by the spirit of warm giving and the light of energy education.

Please help us share the light.

You can participate in the following ways:

 Provide a light at the end of the tunnel: Donate money to Helping Hands to pay the utility bills of pre-screened applicants. Checks can be made to Helping Hands and sent by mail to:   Helping Hands, PO Box 2101, Starkville, MS 39759

Shed light for others
Donate energy-efficient light bulbs and safe space heaters to be distributed by Helping Hands and 52 M.O.M.S.  Donations may be purchased and dropped off in a designated box at any of the three following local stores; Bell’s Building Supply Store, East MS Lumber Company, and Lowe’s.  To promote our project and the “shedding of light to others” we will host a table at each of the stores on the Saturdays of Nov. 15th, Dec. 13th, and Jan. 17th from 10a.m. until p.m.

See the light for yourself
Be educated on how you can lower energy cost in your own home. Stay warm and save money this winter by following these no-cost and low cost tips.

1. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day so the sun can
heat your home. Close them at night.
2. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back
10°-15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.
3. Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed. Have your heating system serviced routinely for efficient operation.
4. Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
5. Water heaters can account for 14%-25% of your energy bill. Turn
down your water heater to 120°F.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

** SHARE THE LIGHT UPDATE! **

As of December 15, 2008 we have collected a total of 51 space heaters for families who have been targeted by local service agencies as "in need" in this winter. These heaters are portable, safe and energy effiecient. We have also recieved $523 in cash donations to give to Helping Hands to help pay utility bills for a person in need.

Thanks!
Elizabeth

Project Conclusion

Our project concludes with a success. In all, we've collected 83 heaters and $1,050.00 for Helping Hands. All of our heaters have been distributed to people in need. This project has also served another purpose in that we have bridged beautiful working relationships with other service organizations. And, we had a great time showcasing our cause at the Christmas parade this year!

Many of you have given time, energy, heaters, and money towards this project. Thank you so very much. I'm sooo very proud of the money raised and the heaters collected.

GREAT WORK MOMS!