GUC's Neighbor to Neighbor program recently received a generous donation of $10,250 from the Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church. They raised the funds through their annual Taste Testing Luncheon that includes a raffle and bake sale. This year's event highlighted local restaurants and caterers who donated selected items from their menus.

During the April GUC Board Meeting, event co-chairs Kay McLeod and Annelle West were recognized for their efforts in spearheading the event. This is the 14th year in a row the Presbyterian Women have supported our Neighbor to Neighbor fund, and with GUC's match, they are responsible for raising a total of $234,000.

Asst. Director of Customer Relations Scott Mullis, Board Chair John Minges, and CEO/GM Tony Cannon with representatives of the Presbyterian Women group.

"We are truly appreciative of the generosity shown by the ladies of the First Presbyterian Church," said Scott Mullis, Assistant Director of Customer Relations. "They always have been a tremendous partner in our efforts to raise money for those in need within Pitt County. We've also received funds this year from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, and the Ex Libros Book Club."

Our Neighbor to Neighbor program meets local needs by providing funds to assist low-income families in Pitt County with their heating bills. It is a voluntary program supported through customers' tax-deductible contributions. GUC matches the contributions up to $20,000 each year. Neighbor-to-Neighbor is a partnership between GUC and the Pitt County Department of Social Services (DSS). DSS screens applicants, determines eligibility, and distributes the funds during the heating season of December — March. Since the program began in 2001, $492,727 has been raised for heating assistance.

"GUC's Neighbor to Neighbor is such a valuable resource and very instrumental in our efforts to better serve the citizens of Greenville and Pitt County," said Rosie S. Wooten, Supervisor of Crisis Programs at Pitt County DSS. "We are able to use these funds to assist households who would not be served by the various state and federal programs we administer. Many of these households consist of disabled and elderly individuals."

Please join us in thanking our customers and community organizations for another successful year in raising funds for our neighbors in need.