Gift giving can be a challenge.
There’s always at least one person on the list who is especially hard to choose a gift for. Cash and gift cards are easy options, but can feel less thoughtful than what we’d like.
When gifting gets tough, getting back to the basics is sometimes the best solution. The most meaningful gifts are those that bring comfort and happiness to those we love. During these unusual times a gift certificate from Clark Public Utilities may be the right fit this year.
Purchasing a gift certificate or contributing to a friend or family member’s utility account will give peace of mind and comfort few other gifts offer.
“Home energy bills are highest in winter, so even a small contribution to a person’s account can make a big difference,” said Clark Public Utilities Community Care Manager Chiharu Russell. “Helping a friend or relative meet basic living expenses offers a personal touch that many other gifts can’t match.”
Gift certificates are available in any amount. Alternatively, you can make a payment in any amount at any time toward some else’s utility account, just know that for personal privacy reasons, utility employees cannot tell you the balance on an account that you’re not authorized to access.
Our customer service lobbies remain closed to in person visits due to the ongoing pandemic, but customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you. They’ll be happy to create a Clark Public Utilities gift certificate for your loved one.
For the person who truly doesn’t want anything, a donation in their name to a charitable cause can be appreciated. For those folks, a contribution to Operation Warm Heart is an excellent option.
Operation Warm Heart is a donation-funded program that helps families in financial crisis pay heating 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 help people in financial crisis who may not qualify for other payment assistance programs. Due to the ongoing pandemic response, Operation Warm Heart has received a dramatic surge in applications. Every dollar of your contribution goes directly to helping people here in Clark County stay safe and warm.
Supporting donations can be made once or as ongoing tax-deductible contributions. The amount and duration of your donations are up to you.
Lastly, during this gifting season the athlete in your life may enjoy receiving a Race for Warmth registration. The 10K run and 5K walk/run is set for the weekend of January 29-31 and this year’s race will be entirely virtual.
Participants can choose to follow one of many 5K or 10K route options that will be made available on the Race for Warmth website or take a personal favorite route, on foot, on wheels, or even a treadmill.
The registration fee is $30 and includes a long-sleeve performance tech shirt, participation medal that’s new this year, a bib number and a goodie bag loaded with items and coupons from local business partners. Registration is open now at www.raceforwarmth.com.
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.
