NECAC, Hardee's team up to raise money for heat assistance

February 7, 2020 at 10:33 am Updated: May 27th, 2020 at 10:47 am

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BOWLING GREEN, Mo. - Customers at Hardee’s in Louisiana and Bowling Green can help their Pike County neighbors in need on Valentine’s Day Feb. 14.

The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is teaming up with the restaurants for the 20th annual Rise & Shine fund-raiser.

From 6 to 10:30 a.m., customers will be able to buy sausage or egg biscuits for just $1. NECAC staff and volunteers will also collect additional donations.

All proceeds will stay in Pike County to help elderly, disabled and low-income people pay utility costs. The event is organized by the not-for-profit Heat Up St. Louis, which raises money to fund heating and utility assistance programs administered by agencies in 34 Missouri and Illinois counties.

“The Hardee’s Rise & Shine event is crucial in every county to assist our low-income neighbors with their winter heating bills,” said NECAC County Services Programs Director Linda Fritz. “Not only will Hardee’s customers be receiving a great bargain, but that dollar will help someone with their heating bill. It’s a win-win situation. We greatly appreciate everyone’s participation with this worthy endeavor.”

Last year’s Rise & Shine event raised a record $570,000 at 55 Hardee’s restaurants in Missouri and Illinois. NECAC received $21,500 in funding for four counties – Pike, Lincoln, Warren and St. Charles. The total for Pike County was $5,000.

Additional volunteers are needed and may sign up by calling NECAC Pike County Service Coordinator Chandra Roberts at 573-324-2207 or stopping by the NECAC Pike County Services Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 805 Business Highway 61 in Bowling Green.

NECAC also contracts with federal and state funding sources to provide assistance for paying utility bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). Applications are available.

CUTLINE FOR PHOTO: NECAC Pike County Service Coordinator Chandra Roberts, right, and her daughter, Cayden, accept a donation during last year’s Hardee’s Rise & Shine fund-raiser. This year’s event is from 6 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 14 at Hardee’s restaurants in Louisiana and Bowling Green. NECAC will also be collecting donations at Hardee’s in Warren and St. Charles counties as part of a 34-county campaign in Missouri and Illinois being coordinated by the non-profit Heat Up St. Louis. Organization.