UE GIVES FISH GRANT FOR $5,000

A Cape Girardeau agency has received an energy assistance grant from Union Electric Company.

Fish volunteers of Cape Girardeau, a program designed to provide one-time assistance to people who are in an emergency situation, was recipient of the $5,000 grant.

The grant was part of UE's $1 million gift to the communities that the company serves, and was UE's third $5,000 "Dollar More" grant to FISH.

In January, UE announced a $1 million gift to provide energy assistance, shelter, food, and primary pediatric health care to the needy.

About $300,000 of the million-dollar grant went to Dollar More, a program that provides energy assistance to customers who need help paying their oil, gas or electric bills.

UE customers have contributed almost $145,000 to the program this year.

Funded by contributions from UE customers and the Union Electric company, Dollar More has provided more than $3 million in energy assistance since starting the program in November of 1982. More than 32,000 residents donate to the Dollar More program each month.

"Customers can make regular contributions each month," said Virgil Chirnside, manager of UE's Southeast District. "They can make overpayments on their bills or mail contributions directly to Dollar More. The dollars go back to the same area for needed services."

A network of human service agencies administers Dollar More throughout most of the company's 25,000 square mile service territory, helping more than 3,000 families each year.