(PROVIDENCE, RI) – With so many veterans struggling to pay their heating bills, the Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, has announced that a donation will be made to the organization, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, to help local veterans in need of heating assistance. Bishop Tobin will present a $5000 check to Executive Director, Erik Wallin and President, Tony DeQuattro, at the kick-off event of the Keep the Heat On campaign on Wednesday, November 7th at 11:00 am at the organization headquarters, 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston
“I hope that members of our church and community will be generous once again in supporting Keep the Heat On,” said Bishop Tobin. “It’s a great program, an effective program that warms the homes and the hearts of many individuals and families throughout our region.
Since 1993, veterans have been helped by the services provided by Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. The organization offers much needed resources for the homeless and at-risk veterans. Their mission is to help veterans secure permanent or temporary housing as well as employment training and placement, food and clothing.
Since 2005, Keep the Heat On has provided heating assistance to Rhode Islanders who have exhausted all other public and private forms of assistance. The program has raised more than $2.95 million to help more than 13,000 Rhode Island families and individuals keep warm during the winter. Funding for the program comes from the Catholic Charity Appeal and generous donations from parishes, businesses and individuals.