FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 12/4/2009) When you think of gift giving ideas this holiday season you might consider the gift of comfort.
It's an MLGW program that allows you pay for someone else's electricity.
Alberta Sanders knows all about the program.
"It helped me a whole lot with my children and bills," said Sanders.
Back in February Sanders was in near fatal car crash.
After the accident the mother of five was off her feet and out of work for 8 months and had no way to pay her mounting utility bills.
Sanders says at one time she had a bill as high as $1,016.
She says that is when her pastor and church stepped and helped with her electric bills.
They did it through MLGW'S gift of comfort program which allows anyone to pay someone else's power bill. It's sort of like a utility gift certificate.
"The economy has been bad and we don't want to find someone behind almost in a homeless situation," said Rev. Keith Norman.
Rev. Keith Norman, pastor of First Baptist Church-Broad says his church has helped a number of people through the program.
Pastor Norman has even paid for some of it out of his own pocket.
Rev. Norman says it's just one way to give back to the community.
"In some situations we found people we know have been laid off, or hurt from the economy and instead of waiting we'll sometimes sit down and say if there is a need let us know," said Rev. Sanders.
Anyone who wants to give a gift of comfort can go to the MLGW website and download a form.
You can give as much as you want, as many times as you want and even keep it anonymous.
Sanders says she doesn't know what she would have done without the assistance.
"Normally, most people don't help you, but my pastor was there when I needed him. It was great thing," said Sanders.
For more information on the program and others at MLGW just go to
- MLGW says you should consider giving the "gift of comfort" this holiday season
- The program allows you pay for someone else's utilities
- One recipient says the program got her through a very rough time
(Memphis 12/4/2009) When you think of gift giving ideas this holiday season you might consider the gift of comfort.
It's an MLGW program that allows you pay for someone else's electricity.
Alberta Sanders knows all about the program.
"It helped me a whole lot with my children and bills," said Sanders.
Back in February Sanders was in near fatal car crash.
After the accident the mother of five was off her feet and out of work for 8 months and had no way to pay her mounting utility bills.
Sanders says at one time she had a bill as high as $1,016.
She says that is when her pastor and church stepped and helped with her electric bills.
They did it through MLGW'S gift of comfort program which allows anyone to pay someone else's power bill. It's sort of like a utility gift certificate.
"The economy has been bad and we don't want to find someone behind almost in a homeless situation," said Rev. Keith Norman.
Rev. Keith Norman, pastor of First Baptist Church-Broad says his church has helped a number of people through the program.
Pastor Norman has even paid for some of it out of his own pocket.
Rev. Norman says it's just one way to give back to the community.
"In some situations we found people we know have been laid off, or hurt from the economy and instead of waiting we'll sometimes sit down and say if there is a need let us know," said Rev. Sanders.
Anyone who wants to give a gift of comfort can go to the MLGW website and download a form.
You can give as much as you want, as many times as you want and even keep it anonymous.
Sanders says she doesn't know what she would have done without the assistance.
"Normally, most people don't help you, but my pastor was there when I needed him. It was great thing," said Sanders.
For more information on the program and others at MLGW just go to
