Fund-raiser offers

help for heating bills

Hardee's donates

proceeds from biscuit promotion on Friday

By SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- People may be able to stay a little warmer this winter thanks to a "Reach Out For Warmth" fund-raiser called Share the Warmth set for 6-11 a.m. Friday at Hardee's in New Ulm and Sleepy Eye.

Hardee's will be selling breakfast biscuits for one dollar. Each dollar raised will go to support the Reach Out For Warmth fund. All the money Hardee's raises will then be matched by state funds. All money raised will be used in Brown County.

The Reach Out For Warmth funds are available to people who are ineligible for energy assistance, but who meet the income guidelines for Reach Out For Warmth. The other stipulation is that it must also be an energy-related emergency situation such as a furnace in need for repairs or if a disconnect notice or refusal of delivery notice (notice to no longer deliver oil to a household) has been given to a family.

Last year Hardee's raised $700 for Reach Out For Warmth, with those funds matched by state dollars. A total of eight families were helped by Reach Out For Warmth in Brown County in 1999.

"It's a good deal for people. Our goal is to keep people warm ... especially children, elderly and disabled," said Judy Sellner, Brown County Family Services Energy Assistance Coordinator. "It's a one- time thing. We have a really limited amount of money to work with for Reach Out For Warmth."

The fund-raiser began in Wisconsin. Other states like Michigan, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana have joined the effort.

A penguin named "Shivers" helps educate people about energy awareness, promotes the Reach Out For Warmth program and also participates in parades in the community.

"Shivers is very visible," said Sellner, "It's easier to relate to something you can see. The kids love Shivers ... there are lots of hugs."

Children are encouraged to participate in a coloring activity with Shivers. If they bring in their picture in to Hardee's, the business will display the pictures and also offer children a cone or a cookie.

"I think it's great that Hardee's can help and participate in the community," said Hardee's of New Ulm General Manager Karen Ballman. "Whatever we can do ... we'll be glad to do. A lot of businesses were good at ordering (biscuits) ahead of time and donating to the fund-raiser and that was great. We're looking forward to a lot of orders this year."

Heating costs have been steadily increasing over the past few years, and prices are expected to keep rising, Sellner said.

Figures from the Minnesota Department of Commerce reported the cost of heating oil for the residential sector in January of 1997 was $.992 per gallon, and the cost of natural gas was $6.50. The cost for heating oil for the residential sector in January 2000 was $.995 per gallon and the cost of natural gas was $7.58 per gallon.

Anyone interested in ordering Hardee's biscuits for delivery the day of the fund-raiser or interested in learning more about the program should contact Judy Sellner at the Family Services building at (507) 359-6504.