More than $30,000 spent from energy assistance fund this year

Hundreds of thousands of dollars flow through the Samaritan Center's utility assistance program to those who need help covering one month's utility bill and those whose power has been shut off entirely.

In 2002, the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City distributed $15,000 from United Way aid and more than $93,000 from its own budget.

In 2003, the Realtors supper generated $6,000, the United Way $12,000 and more than $99,000 from the center. Plus, Ameren UE's Dollar More kicked in more than $20,000 and the one-time Clean Slate funds offered more than $187,000.

In 2004, Dollar More has contributed $85,429 and the United Way $12,000.

The center has spent $32,434 so far and expects to spend more than $30,000 in October through December, as it did last year, said Ben DeFeo, community outreach supervisor.

The Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors wanted to give back to the community, said president Pam Barkhaus. Since housing is the Realtors' business, supporting the center's energy assistance program was a good fit, she said.

The turnout for their first chili supper was amazing, Barkhaus said. They hope to top last year's $6,000, she said.

"The Samaritan Center is such a good organization, many came to support us in our efforts to help them," Barkhaus said.

The chili supper will be served Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Eagles, 1411 Missouri Blvd. Music and a raffle will be included.

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Program helps keep the lights on during dark times

Contact reporter Michelle Reagan at mreagan@newstribune.com.