UE's DOLLAR MORE HELPS THOSE IN NEED

The warmth of human kindness will help keep the homes of more than 7,000 families warm this winter.

Dollar More, one of Union Electric's Energy Plus programs, provides temporary financial help to the elderly, disabled and families facing financial difficulties.

"Dollar More can make a great difference in someone's life by helping to keep utility services operating, not only during the cold days of winter but the hot days of summer," said Mike Cleary, supervisor of Union Electric corporate communications.

Dollar More is designed to help people who have difficulty paying their energy bills, said Cleary.

Molly Martin manages Dollar More and 17 other Energy Plus programs aimed at helping people with special needs. Martin, supervisor of community relations, said the program helps customers with all kinds of energy bills, not just those of UE.

The funds go to the working poor, the disabled, ill or elderly, for all types of energy -- gas, electric, oil, propane, she said.

The program is a customer-corporate participation plan, said Cleary. "The funds are made up of customer donations and UE corporate funds," he said.

During the 12 years since the program was established in 1982, it has provided $7.2 million -- $5.5 million in customer contributions and UE contributions of $1.7 million.

About 10 percent of UE's 800,000 customers participate in the program, said Cleary. "More than 70,000 customers have pledged $1 a month to the program."

Some customers pledge more.

The program assists more than 7,000 families a year. Since it started, the program has helped more than 50,000 families.

The United Way coordinates the distribution of funds and shares administrative costs with UE. "The full amount of Dollar More contributions go to those who need help," said Cleary.

Funds are distributed to a network of human-services agencies throughout the UE service area, and the funds are directed back to the communities in which they were collected.

In the Cape Girardeau area, the funds are presented to FISH, EMAA and the Delta Area Economic Corp. for distribution.

Customers can receive more information and sign up for the program by calling 1-800-55ASK-UE.

"In most cases, the customer makes a pledge, and we include it on the utility bill," said Cleary. "The majority of participants pledge a dollar a month, but they can pledge whatever amount they want, as long it is in dollar amounts."

St. Louis county and city officials have declared December as Dollar More Month to recognize the program. Activities kicked off the special month observance recently at St. Louis Galleria, where St. Louis Rams football players, punter Sean Landeta and kicker Dean Biasucci, signed autographs and posed for pictures with UE customers, with all funds designated for the Dollar More program.

St. Louis Blues and Ambush Soccer team members will visit many of the agencies that assist in carrying out the program throughout the month.