REAS offers online donation option

By Jonathan Cook
Turley Publications Reporter

STURBRIDGE -With every night in the foreseeable forecast hovering around the freezing mark, many with limited income need help just to stay warm.
And their numbers are growing. That’s where Residential Energy Assistance for Seniors (REAS) comes in. This organization, beginning its second season, has an eye on more than the dipping temperatures. Rising unemployment and declining paychecks and benefits are combing to create a “silent storm” for seniors right here in this community, according to REAS Executive Director and town Selectman Thomas Creamer.
“More and more Sturbridge seniors are finding themselves with fewer options and are reaching out for help for the first time in their lives,” Creamer states in an Oct. 22 letter at reasfoundation.org. The letter goes on to say that “years of hard work, frugal living, independence, and hopes for a comfortable retirement have been supplanted by disproportionately rising costs and diminishing returns on their lifelong savings.”
But REAS needs contributions from the community to be sure that when these seniors do reach out for help, help is there to be had.
According to REAS Foundation board member and Sturbridge Police officer, Detective Mark Saloio, the group provided $19,700 worth of energy assistance to 43 applicants last year. The average age of each applicant was 76. Their average income was $18,556.
So far this year, Saloio said, 17 applications have been approved and $7,500 has already been spent on direct energy assistance. However, only $4,045 has thus far been raised. Benefits provided have relied on leftover funds from last year, but the new fundraising goal of $20,000 has a long way to go.
“The community was tremendously inspiring,” in previous fundraising efforts such as a chicken dinner, a wine tasting and a 10K road race, Saloio said. More fundraisers are currently being planned, but the need is now and the need is great. With the new online donation feature, a credit card or a paypal account is all it takes to show support. “Whether it’s $5 or $500, whatever can be afforded is very much appreciated,” Saloio said.
“We also encourage people to urge people they know who need help and are over 60,” to fill out a request for assistance online, Saloio said, pointing out that they are often unwilling to ask without a nudge. That financial information is viewed by only three members sworn to secrecy, he adds.
“We’ll help as many people with as much help as we can as long as we have the resources,” he said, adding that the 43 homes receiving benefits last year may be just the start this year. He also says similar organizations are popping up in other communities.
“Holy smoke, if one community can have this much need, imagine the need that’s out there,” he said.