Organization still accepting donations, applications
KINGWOOD — Heat For Preston won’t serve its annual Thanksgiving fundraising dinner, but cash donations are being accepted and applications taken for service.
Last year Heat For Preston gave more than $24,000 to help about 200 low income Preston County residents with heating bills.
While funds will still be distributed this year, the annual Thanksgiving dinner at Monroe’s Restaurant in Kingwood, which was the organization’s only fundraising event, will not be held because of COVID-19.
Being able to distribute funds to those in need this year “is a win in itself,” Heat For Preston Co-Founder Jimmy Maier said Monday. “We fundraise all year by giving talks to the churches and organizations, and we’ve been pretty diligent with our finances.”
One way the organization stretches its funds is by working with Catholic Community Charities and other organizations that help with heating bills.
“We try not to go more than a couple hundred dollars for each person, but it depends on the numbers too,” Maier said.
Dick Shaffer, another founder of Heat For Preston, said applications will be taken by phone this year, rather in person. That’s another impact of COVID.
Phone applications will be taken at 304-329-2316. The phone will be answered 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, beginning Jan. 4.
Donations to Heat For Preston can be mailed to 203 Tunnelton St., Kingwood, WV 26537 or left at Monroe’s Deli and Restaurant, 110 E. Main St., Kingwood. Make checks payable to Heat For Preston.
The need each year varies, Maier said, depending on the weather. “What we’re afraid of is a really rough winter.”
TWEET@DominionPostWV
