VFDA Split-the-Ticket Program Provides

Nearly Six Thousand Gallons of FREE Heating Fuel

Thanks to the generosity of Vermont fuel dealers, along with local businesses and organizations, the Patch Chit Split the Ticket campaign provided nearly 6,000 gallons of free heating fuel to Vermonters in need this winter. The fuel dealer assistance program has provided a safety net for low income Vermonters for more than twenty years. Many of this year’s recipients didn’t qualify for state fuel assistance and are often too proud to ask for help. Vermont's heating fuel dealers are mostly small, family-owned businesses that see the need first-hand and are sometimes the first to respond in a crisis.

We were flabbergasted when we received your generous gift. . . . What a way to start a new decade. We are truly grateful. — Patch Chit recipient, Hinesburg, VT

Our recipient is a single mother with two daughters. She was chosen because she lost her job due to a series of recessionary budget cuts. By the time we contacted her in early December, her tank had less than 50 gallons remaining and she had no idea how she would pay for her next fuel delivery. When she was given the news by phone, she began crying and said that the “gift of oil helped keep her family together for the holidays.” She was extremely grateful to be chosen as this year’s recipient. We, as a company, appreciate the opportunity to be a part of VFDA’s Patch Chit program which helps to give hope to families in need. — VFDA Member, Rutland, VT

Thank you to all the companies that have donated fuel or cash:

Abba Fuels Inc., AmeriGas, Ben & Jerry’s Incorporated – Community Action Team, Blair Discount Fuels, Blanchard Oil Company, Blouin Brothers Oil Inc., Boston Steel & Mfg. Co., Bourne’s Energy, Cota & Cota Inc., Dead River Company, Deerfield Valley Energy, Eastern Propane & Oil, Energy Co-op of Vermont, Fred's Plumbing & Heating Inc., Fyles Brothers Inc., Gillespie Fuels and Propane Inc., Hart & Mead Inc., HB Fuels, Heritage Propane, Heritage Propane/Blue Flame Gas, Jack F. Corse Inc., John Leo & Sons Inc., Keyser Energy, Local Fuel Co. Inc., Merrill Gas Company, Miles Fuels, Northern Gas Transport Inc., Oil Supply Corp., Okemo Mountain Resort, Patten Oil Co. Inc., Patterson Fuels, Perry's Oil Service Inc., Pyrofax/ Morrisville, SEVCA Weatherization, Shaw Fuel Inc., Suburban Propane, Ted’s Gas Service Inc., Trans-Tech Tanks, West Oil Co. Inc., Williston Rotary, Wright's Plumbing & Heating Oil

From our 2009–2010 Patch Chit Split the Ticket Campaign . . .

Our recipient has experienced a difficult time this last year. He had already been unemployed for quite some time and then this past summer his son died in an accident. He is working part time again but could use a boost to help his family get back on their feet. — Bradford, VT

We have selected one of our customers to receive the Patch Chit Neighbor in Need delivery. Her husband passed away a few years ago and the family continues to struggle along. It is especially hard at this time of year. She tries to get small deliveries that are affordable but they just aren’t enough to hold her from week to week. We hope this will help her to be able to catch up. — Orwell, VT

Our Patch Chit recipients are a couple who both had cancer issues in the past year. At the same time their daughter, who also had cancer, passed away. We wanted to share this thank you from them with VFDA.

Our recipient of 150 gallons of fuel oil is an elderly customer of ours who lives on her own. She is often too proud to ask for help and never complains. Thank you for your part in helping. — Essex Center, VT

We chose to donate to a couple who have been customers of ours for years. This past year the husband has been placed in a nursing home leaving his wife at home alone with medical problems of her own. We always looked forward to visiting with him when he came in to pay for his deliveries. They have been struggling for the last couple of years to make ends meet. They are an elderly couple on a fixed income yet they always managed to do their best and take care of their responsibilities. We could not think of a more deserving couple to receive this generous donation. Thank you VFDA for your part of the contribution. — Lyndonville, VT

Our Neighbor in Need has been a loyal customer of ours for several years. For the past couple of years it has been an increasingly difficult situation for her to keep her home heated and still pay other household bills. She has always given to her community and is one of the most cheerful individuals that you could meet. — Fair Haven, VT

Our Patch Chit recipients are farmers that are struggling from check to check. They are both very hard workers and wouldn’t ask anyone for a thing. They have always helped other people out even though they are struggling themselves. — Derby, VT