Sunday, May 22, 2011

Assistance with Gas Bills

From the Freeport Journal-Standard today: With the weather heating up in Northwest Illinois, this may seem like the least important time to talk about paying your gas bill.


Salvation Army Director Nickee Bender, however, is quick to point out that now is not the time to ignore outstanding payments to the gas company.

“For people who have gotten behind on their gas bills over the winter, this is the time where their gas gets turned off,” Bender said.

Utility laws forbid companies from shutting off gas during the winter, Bender explained. So when the temperatures rise, customers who are behind on their payments could see their service shut off.

Local residents struggling to make ends meet can benefit from the Nicor Gas Sharing Program.

The Nicor Sharing Program provides one-time annual grants to qualified residential customers, according to the official Nicor website. The program is funded by direct contributions from Nicor Gas’ customers and employees.

The Salvation Army in Freeport is the local administrator for the Nicor sharing program.

Catching Up On Payments

The Nicor Gas Sharing Program has been around for years, Bender said. Still, many residents are unaware that the assistance is available.

“We just want people to know this option is out there,” she said.

Local residents can apply for the sharing program by stopping in at the Salvation Army between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, Bender said. Applicants must provide proof of income, proof of residence and their current Nicor bill.

The entire process, Bender said, takes only 15 minutes.

Bender believes that the minimal effort is well worth it.

“I think it is very important to try and get caught up before next winter,” she said.

The sharing program, Bender noted, is only available for residents that do not qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Illinios RX Card - Illinois' FREE Prescription Assistance Program!

NEED HELP WITH PRESCRIPTION COSTS?
If you are un-insured or under-insured, as a resident of Illinois, you and your family now have access to a statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP).

Create and print your FREE discount prescription drug card from the link here. This card will provide you with Rx medication savings of up to 75% at more than 56,000 pharmacies across the country including CVS/pharmacy, Dominick's, Hy-Vee, Kmart, Meijer, Jewel-Osco, Pamida, Schnucks, Shopko, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and many more. You can create as many cards as you need. We encourage you to give cards to friends and family members. This card is pre-activated and can be used immediately!


NOTE: All prescriptions processed through this program are confidential.

Low Price Guarantee

This program has lowest price logic to guarantee that you get the best deal on your prescriptions (you pay the lower of a discount off Average Wholesale Price-AWP, discount off MAC Pricing, or Pharmacy Promotional/Retail price).

Go check out this link and get your card instantly!  Illinois RX Card -- FREE Prescription Assistance Program

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Battling the Bugs...and WINNING!


They say after last year's flood, we may have more bugs than normal this summer!
If you don't want to do combat with commercial pesticdes, there are many easy, safe and effective alternatives.
Here's some tried and true methods against common pests. Ants: Spread cinnamon, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, salted cucumber peels or leaves from mint tea bags near their point of entry or along baseboards. Mice: Place cotton dipped in peppermint oil near problem areas. Mosquitoes: When you barbeque, throw some sage or rosemary onto the coals. Carpenter Ants: Mix 3 cups hot water, 1 cup sugar and 4 teaspoons boric acid. Soak cotton in the mixture and leave it near places where ants are found.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

We're Now on Facebook

Come find us on Facebook! We are at: www.Facebook.com/RentFreeport. Become a "fan" by clicking the "Like" button!  See you there!