Help give 'Gift of Warmth' in Metro Detroit

Local 4 teams up with THAW, DTE Energy to raise money for those who can't pay their heating bills

There is help for people in Michigan who struggle to pay their heating bills.

The Heat and Warmth Fund, also known as THAW, will be working with DTE Energy and Local 4 to help raise money for the thousands of low-income families and individuals who cannot pay their heating bills.

According to its website, last year THAW gave $14 million dollars in assistance to 15,000 Michigan families.

THAW helps the elderly, unemployed, underemployed and disabled individuals who found themselves in an energy crisis. According to THAW, more than 70 percent of the homes they help have a child or senior living there.  THAW says these groups are very vulnerable to the cold.

All day Friday November 8 on Local 4, from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., DTE and THAW will be taking calls and accepting donations for those who want to help THAW.  The number to call the Local 4 phone bank is (313) 298-WDIV (9348).

THAW began in 1985 to help low-income families who fell through the cracks of other social service programs.

The Local 4 Gift of Warmth day kicks off a Week of Warmth events for DTE and THAW.

Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Day

Saturday, Nov. 9, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Bailey Cathedral Church of God in Christ
7045 Curtis St., Detroit
Location for Kickoff at 7:30 a.m.

The Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Day (N.E.E.D.) is an opportunity to educate DTE customers about ways to save money and become more energy-efficient. Bagley area residents will receive free Home Energy Consultations and weatherization. Some customers will qualify to have their refrigerators replaced with more energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® refrigerators.

Hallelujah for Heat Gospel Concert

Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ
19190 Schaefer Hwy., Detroit
Saturday, Nov. 9, 7 - 10 p.m.

An inspiring gospel concert featuring Four time Grammy winning Detroit native, Karen Clark Sheard, her contemporary gospel artist daughter, Kierra "KiKi" Sheard  and other performances by Lady Peggy James and many local praise groups.  More than 1,800 guests are expected to attend. Attendees include Detroit's faith based leaders, key neighborhood groups, and members of the community, media, and sponsoring companies.

Warmth with Wings

Joe Louis Arena
Saturday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.

THAW's Night of Warm Hearts fundraiser

The Fillmore Detroit
2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Thursday, Nov. 14, 6 - 10:30 p.m.

Night of Warm Hearts is THAW's signature fundraising event. This gala celebration will be hosted at the 1920's historic Fillmore Detroit in the downtown entertainment district. The evening will feature a "street fair" theme that includes a strolling dinner provided by Andiamo, exciting entertainment including street performers, break dancers, contortionists, fire breathers, bmx performers, a graffiti artist, speed painter and much more. We expect 500 plus attendees which include CEO's and executives from Michigan's leading companies, key civic and political leaders, local celebrities, and government officials. Cocktail attire.

Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at www.weekofwarmth.org  or www.thawfund.org

Customer Assistance Day (CAD)

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Detroit, Garden City and Muskegon

At DTE Energy & THAW's customer assistance event, pre-qualified customers will be offered on-site distribution of assistance dollars. Through the generous donations and sponsorships from WOW, we will be able to quickly and efficiently service this growing and significant number of applicants.

For more information on these events, click here.