Black Hills : Give A Neighbor The Gift of Warmth This Winter in South Dakota

Annual Rapid City Walk for Warmth is Saturday, Feb. 11

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Jan. 26, 2017 - The 6th Annual Walk For Warmth in Rapid City to benefit people in need of energy assistance from the Salvation Army of the Black Hills and Church Response of Rapid City is Saturday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. Walk For Warmth is sponsored by Black Hills Energy and funds raised at Walk For Warmth are available to qualified individuals regardless of their fuel source or energy provider.

Healthcare, mortgage payments, food, phone and other monthly costs can add up. All winter, cold temperatures drive an increase in the demand for heating energy - whether electricity, propane, natural gas or wood - causing a significant increase in heating bills that can strain budgets even further.

There is something we can do to help, suggests local energy company Black Hills Energy.

'Lower temperatures create a spike in applications for energy assistance at local agencies, and we want to increase awareness of the Salvation Army and Church Response energy assistance programs as an effective way to give a gift of warmth to someone in our community,' said Vance Crocker, vice president of operations at Black Hills Energy.

Black Hills Energy matches donations to Walk For Warmth up to $10,000. In Rapid City, applications and funds are managed by the Salvation Army and Church Response. 'Black Hills Energy values our partnerships with the communities we serve and continue to support community initiatives,' Crocker said. 'Those who open their hearts to neighbors in need can be assured that their donation and matching contribution from Black Hills Energy stay in our community.'

Black Hills Energy customers can also participate in the Black Hills Cares program by donating any amount in a one-time or monthly contribution to the Black Hills Cares program, using the return portion of their electric bill. Select a one-time donation, a fixed monthly amount, or utilize the recurring round-up option. Donations to Black Hills Cares also can be made through the company's online eBill program, a fast, free and paperless way to view and pay the bill online. All contributions to Black Hills Cares are matched dollar-for-dollar by the company and distributed to energy assistance programs at the Salvation Army and Church Response.

Black Hills Energy offers a number of programs to help customers effectively manage their energy, and urges customers to call the company's customer care line at 888-890-5554 to discuss its services, energy assistance programs and payment plans.

The Walk For Warmth route begins and ends at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City. Twenty downtown businesses will offer specials and discounts to participants during Walk For Warmth. The event raised $16,000 in 2016 through walker participation, Black Hills Energy employee fundraisers and company matching contributions. To participate in Walk For Warmth 2017, register online.

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