Flagler Cares, the social service non-profit celebrating its 10th anniversary, is marking the occasion with a fund-raiser to “Keep the Holiday Lights On” by encouraging people to sponsor one or more struggling household’s electric bill for a month over the Christmas season. Each sponsorship amounts to $100 donation, with every cent going toward payment of a local power bill. (See the donation page here.)
Holiday toy and food drives drives tap into founts of community generosity, but can at times miss one of the more pressing needs among households teetering on poverty: According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, low-income households spend 8.1 percent of their income on energy costs, on average, compared to 2.3 percent for non-low-income households, and for those 65 and over, the median energy burden is 4.2 percent, compared to 3.1 percent for all households. In Flagler County, almost one in three resident is 65 and over, and 9.1 percent of the population lives in poverty, according to the latest Census figures.
Flagler Cares sought to bridge some of that gap. The “Keep the Holiday Lights On” fund-raiser was the answer. Every time another household is sponsored, a light goes on on top of a house at Flagler Cares’ fundraising page. (Twenty-six houses are lit up as of this writing.)
“This was Cheryl’s brain child, because there are so many great resources for children at the holiday time and gifts, but a lot of families are really just struggling with basic needs,” said Carrie Baird, executive director of Flagler Cares since its inception. She was referring to Cheryl Tristam, the organization’s office and partnership manager. Baird and Tristam were speaking on this morning’s Free For All Fridays program with David Ayres. “So in celebration of our upcoming 10-year anniversary, we came up with the concept of securing donations from our community to support households to keep the holiday lights on. So for $100 we can help a household make sure that they can make their electric bill, and maybe they can use that that extra money to buy a gift for their grandchild or something else that they need this time of year.”
Florida Power and Light, which services the near-totality of households in Flagler County, estimates that the typical power bill for a household using 1,000 kwh runs to $121.19.
The goal of the fun-raiser, which Flagler Cares would happily exceed, is to support at least 100 families (10 households for each of the 10 years that Flagler Cares has been in existence). “A lot of the programs that are available,” Tristam said, “are meant to help families with children, and what we’re hoping with this particular program is to help people that are living on fixed incomes, and maybe change the whole experience this holiday season, where maybe a grandparent can host a meal, because now they don’t have to worry about that electric bill.”
Flagler Cares will start taking applications for the utility fund later this month. Because of its existing programs, the organization already has procedures in place to vet people for this type of assistance, ensuring that only the needy quality. “So it’s not something that we have to create separately from what we normally do in our regular work day,” Tristam said. “We will be vetting them for whatever their situation is. They’ll be sharing bank statements with us. They will be making an application. We want to know how many people live in their home. We’ll be taking all of those things into consideration.”
It isn’t the only energy assistance program available by any means: even FPL provides one. But Flagler Cares’s program ensures that the money raised in Flagler will help Flagler County residents. Donors could sponsor a theoretical block of homes if they so wish: during Baird’s and Tristam’s appearance on Free For All this morning, David Ayres, the host of the show, made a $500 contribution in the station’s name, lighting up five houses.
“I just hope that everyone sort of gathers all of their holiday cheer and considers helping someone in their community, whether it be through this program that we have launched, or in whatever way that they’re comfortable, but to watch out for your neighbor.”
Mike says
Holiday Cheer? for those unfortunate families who can’t afford $3.98 per day to keep their A/C, lights and pools running…what do they spend at ABC a week? Where is the accountability? Where are the priorities?
Gayle Morris says
I’m sorry but I cut down the usage of electric in my home simply because I cannot afford it either. I get there are families that need the help, however, WE are all suffering with the increases we are getting and it’s not going to end since we will have to pay for the upgrade to the Water Treatment Plant, not to mention the Developer who wants to sue Palm Coast, of course we will be hit with that too. I’m sorry but I’m on a fixed income and that fixed income does not care about my taxes and insurance. I do my share of filling up the “Toys for Tots” box every year for kids of all ages, and I’m not asking for an applause but I mean I really do fill it up because I know what it’s like to want something as a child and not get it or anything near it. One last thought if you are grandparent and on a fixed income and has problems paying utility bills don’t you think their children should host a Holiday Dinner? THANK YOU TO THE FOLKS WHO ARE ORGANIZING THIS FUNDRAISER but I would much rather see kids happy and smiling on Christmas Day. I hope I did not offend anyone.
Atwp says
Am not against helping people. Some people take advantage and use their money to spend on wants instead of needs. If I work and spend wisely, why can’t some of them. I know people fall on hard times, but times can be softer with proper budgeting preparation. We should be wise with our resources. Just saying.
Pogo says
@Accountability and priorities are back
And Floridastan and the rest of the Confederacy are leading the way: accountability? That’s why the stinking Sunshine Law is heading into the sunset; secrecy for heredity its suckups — persecution for disagreeing with them. Priorities: efficient courts without windows where the front door leads to dungeons, gulags, and firing squads; show trials provided by The Star Chamber Group (a leader in family friendly entertainment) — and no more burdensome jury duty — not needed, anymore…
Coming soon: duh trump and duh shout.
Hallelujah!!!
Molly says
Yeah, kind of need every spare penny for my $7,000 home owner’s insurance. Can’t wait to see the renewal price next year.
Pogo says
@The missing conjunction
“…That’s why the stinking Sunshine Law is heading into the sunset; secrecy for heredity AND its suckups — persecution for disagreeing with them…”
The more you know, the more you know:
As stated
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Chamber
Jim says
These comments are depressing! Instead of harping on all the bad things we can think of, could we maybe take a minute and acknowledge that this effort to help those in need is a positive thing and something that we should do more of?
Sure, maybe some of those getting help with their electric bill are “gaming the system”. But instead of concentrating on the few that do that, maybe take a minute to think of those who have true needs and this is an opportunity to help those folks out?
Sometimes I’ll give a $20 to some person on a street corner asking for help. I know full well some of those folks are not needy but I like to think that I do help some folks out that way. And, besides, those that game the system have to live with that decision. I’m fine living with mine!
So brighten up and help somebody out!
Tired of it says
What a cruel assumption. Many of these are families on fixed income. They don’t have enough money for food let alone liquor. I guees you must have actual facts to support your post?
Mary Fusco says
I am a senior citizen and a widow just about keeping my own head above water. If I were to help anyone, it would be another senior not some young person that is fully capable of hustling to pay bills instead of begging. I want a lot of things BUT, I take care of what I need first!
Sherry says
Unfortunately, what I’m reading here in these comments is so much of the usual right winged/maga negative judgement against others. How very sad for us all that even a charitable act during the holidays is frowned upon, and those who are struggling are demeaned. Is this a “Christian” attitude now? Is this what Jesus would do? So Sad and self righteous!
Eric says
Christmas movies are gonna be on TV shortly. Some of the commenters on here should make sure to watch ‘A Christmas Carol’ Definitely in need of the Christmas spirit in their hearts. Hope you all have a better week.
Land of no turn signals says says
I don’t have a problem if somebody REALLY needs help but that free food line on US 1 and Royal Palms is somewhat ridiculous.Late model cars and trucks arm out smoking cigarettes.So I am sure there are some electric scammers.
Sherry says
Thank You Jim! Happy Holidays!
The dude says
This is exactly why we are where we are today.
Doug says
Seriously guys, if you can help great, if you can’t, that’s fine too. There’s no reason to bash people you don’t know, or assume the worst of them, just because you feel guilty about being in a tough spot yourself.
Let’s get some Christmas spirit!
Peaches McGee says
What happened to being a good human and helping your fellow man?
Marlee says
This is one of the most….. downbeat, disagreeable, and skeptical reaction I have read in a long time about helping someone…..
Including…… a pessimistic attitude that always expects the worst.