We all have at least one of them in our lives, the person that’s nearly impossible to buy gifts for.
Maybe they’re at an age where it’s tough to know what their interests are and yet money just feels too impersonal. Or maybe they’re doing well in life and don’t seem to want or need much of anything at all.
The most meaningful gifts you can give are those that improve the lives of your loved ones, and a gift from Clark Public Utilities can do just that.
Purchasing a gift certificate or making a contribution to your friends’ or families’ utility accounts will give them peace of mind that few other gifts can offer.
“Winter utility bills are typically the highest of year, so even a small contribution to a person’s account can make a big difference,” said Clark Public Utilities Community Care Manager Gretchen Alexander. “Helping someone cover those basic living expenses offers a personal touch that is tough to match with retail gift cards or cash.”
Gift certificates can be given in whatever amount you choose. They can be redeemed by mail or in person at either the utility’s Electric center in downtown Vancouver or at the Operations Center in Orchards.
Alternatively, you can always make a payment in any amount toward another person’s utility account whenever you’d like. Just be aware that for reasons of personal privacy, utility employees cannot tell you the balance on an account that you’re not authorized to access.
Operation Warm Heart
If you think your loved one would rather you donate to a good cause that will help many people, rather than giving them a gift, consider making a donation in their name to the utility’s charitable program, Operation Warm Heart.
Operation Warm Heart is a donation-funded program that helps limited-income families in crisis pay their electric bills. Since its inception in 1985, Operation Warm Heart has helped more than 14,800 families with more than $3.6 million in energy assistance.
The program is designed to catch those who’d otherwise slip through the cracks — the people who, for one reason or another, do not qualify for other government financial assistance programs that would help them pay heating bills, yet can barely make ends meet.
Supporting donations can be made once or as ongoing tax-deductible contributions. The amounts and duration of your donations are entirely up to you.
“There are countless charitable organizations doing great work here in our local area and in the world at large; Operation Warm Heart is great because every dollar contributed goes directly to the beneficiaries,” Alexander said. “The program is designed to support our community — our friends and neighbors — the majority of whom never imagined they’d need financial assistance.”
For the athlete in your life, you could pay their $30 registration fee for the upcoming Race for Warmth. The 10K run and 5K walk/run is scheduled for Jan. 26. Every dollar of the registration fee will directly benefit Operation Warm Heart.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
