Greenfield Cooperative Bank Helping Families Keep Warm This Winter

Tony Worden, President and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, recently announced that the Bank would be donating $30,000 to area organizations to help with fuel assistance. 

“As a community bank, we were thinking of ways to be of help to local families in need this winter, as rising energy costs leave more and more people vulnerable,” said Worden. 

To help Franklin and Hampshire Counties the Bank will be donating $20,000 to Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Fuel Assistance Program. Each winter, Community Action helps warm thousands of Franklin and Hampshire County families. Available to both homeowners and renters, the Fuel Assistance Program helps income-eligible participants afford their home heating expenses.

Community Action’s Executive Director, Clare Higgins said, “As the nights have gotten colder, our applications for assistance have dramatically increased. While Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Fuel Assistance Program meets the needs of thousands of households, some seniors, veterans, and families need more help. Because of the incredible generosity of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, Community Action will be able to help even more of our neighbors and friends stay warm this winter. We are very grateful.”

In Hampden County the Bank will be donating $10,000 to the Valley Opportunity Council Fuel Assistance Program. Fuel Assistance (also known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps eligible households challenged by the high cost of home heating fuel pay a portion of their winter heating bills.

“This year, more than ever, people are struggling to make ends meet. The high cost of electric and heat is really straining families already stretched budgets,” said Executive Director, Steve Huntley.  “This donation will help families stay warm all winter as we will see the temperatures continue to drop.”