November 24, 2009

Markell Announces Expansion of Charitable Heating Campaign

DOVER -- Gov. Jack Markell and Mark Aitken -- co-owner of Horizon Services, Inc. -- announced Tuesday that the Warm the Heart campaign to provide free furnaces to less-fortunate Delawareans has expanded to assist families in all three counties.

The Governor, New Castle County Executive Chris Coons and Wilmington Mayor James Baker have committed to establishing application drop-off sites throughout the State at community centers, local non-profits, libraries and government service centers.

This is the first year the program will be open to Kent and Sussex residents. Markell and Aitken made the announcement at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover.

 “Delaware is a state of neighbors and we come together to help each other,” Governor Markell said. “It warms my heart to see the business community and government agencies working together to build a better Delaware.”

“Five years ago we started this program because we saw too many families struggling to make ends meet, and as a result, resorting to dangerous heating alternatives because they didn’t have the means to either replace or fix their furnaces,” said Aitken. “Today, times are even tougher and more families throughout the State are finding themselves in difficult financial situations. I’m proud of what we have done in the past, but committed to providing even more Delawareans with hope, and heat, as the cold winter approaches.”

Applications will be available beginning December 1, 2009, at more than twenty sites throughout Delaware. At the beginning of January, an independent committee comprised of representatives from a variety of local non-profits will review the applications and select the recipients of the new heating systems. It’s expected that fourteen brand new high-efficiency units will be installed in area homes and dozens of older units will be upgraded and fixed, free of charge.

"While many of us take for granted having a warm home during the winter months, too many households go without heat or depend upon unsafe methods to stay warm.  Over the past four years, The Warm the Heart program has helped dozens of New Castle County residents who lacked adequate heat by installing new systems free of charge. I am proud to once again partner with Horizon Services and Delmarva Power to promote the Warm the Heart program by reaching out to those in need of safe and dependable heat," said County Executive Chris Coons. 

“The Warm the Heart program immediately and profoundly improves the quality of life of those Wilmington residents selected to receive new or upgraded heating systems,” said Mayor Baker. “Our City’s aging housing stock combined with a high percentage of low-income residents makes the winter months difficult for many Wilmington families. I highly commend Horizon Services for their generosity and community spirit.”

Aitken also thanked his corporate partners at Warm the Heart including Delmarva Power and Lennox.  “The good folks at these businesses didn’t hesitate when we called them seeking assistance,” he said.  “They are not only smart business people and good corporate citizens, they are decent human beings who genuinely care about the plight of others.  Amid all the talk about what is wrong with Corporate America, these people are a shining example of what is right with it.”

Tax-deductible contributions can be made year-round to: Warm The Heart
c/o Horizon Services Inc. -- 320 Century Blvd.
Wilmington, DE 19808

Potential corporate sponsors or groups interested in supporting Warm The Heart can call (302) 762-1200 or email info@warmtheheart.org.