CNN.com reported this morning that oil prices had crossed the $145.00 per barrel mark -  http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/03/markets/oil.ap/index.htm - signaling yet higher energy and fuel costs while increasing fears that the $150.00 per barrel mark may not be unrealistic after all. This increase comes at a time when “the European Central Bank (the U.S. Federal Reserve’s counterpart) is expected to boost a key rate in order to fight inflation; …a move hat could put even further pressure on the anemic [U.S.] dollar and send commodity prices even higher” as reported in a companion article by CNN.com -http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/01/markets/thebuzz/index.htm.

The news continues to indicate increasingly challenging times for us all relative to fuel and energy costs as well as all commodities dependent upon those resources. Clearly, these challenging times will be most difficult for our seniors on fixed incomes whose purchasing power is quickly deteriorating amidst the gathering storm.

As each of us make our own adjustments to deal with the increasing economic pressures now faced, be it diminished travel, reduced spending on non-essentials, purchases of alternative energy sources (i.e. pellet stoves, solar panels, geothermic energy systems, etc.), we are reminded that a percentage of our seniors on fixed incomes may have little in the way of choices to ease their burden other than prioritizing food or medications over heating or cooling.

Please join us in our efforts to bring relief to Sturbridge seniors in need by considering your tax deductible (501c status pending) donation to the REAS Foundation. A small $10.00 donation from 1000 families in Sturbridge will help us meet the challenge of our 10k Circle of Friends club, through which half of our overall $20,000 goal will be met by 1000 families or residents donating $10.00 each. It has been said that “it takes a village to raise a child”, and it is fast becoming a reality that it sometimes “takes a village” to help maintain the hope and dignity of our seniors.

Thomas R. Creamer
Executive Director

Donations may be sent to:

REAS Foundation
P.O. Box 737
Fiskdale, MA 01518

Last January, Southbridge Savings Bank established a program to “…provide $100 grants for senior citizens who need help paying for home heating costs and who live in communities the bank serves”. The $7,000 fund was instrumental in providing relief to seniors, who were then struggling to make ends meet while shouldering oil costs averaging $3.31 per gallon.

Now, just 6 months later, we see oil prices averaging $4.45 per gallon and gasoline now past the $4.00 per gallon mark. Diesel fuel has surpassed the $4.50 per gallon point and, along with oil and fuel costs, has driven the cost of all associated products and services upward, thereby placing ever increasing burdens upon all of us.

These financial burdens most often have their largest impact on our seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes that no longer keep pace with the economy. Ever increasing numbers of our seniors will be forced to make choices, not between which vacation to take or not to take, or which coat to purchase or not to purchase, but rather, whether to fill a prescription, stock their refrigerator with bare essentials, or maintain even the slightest bit of warmth and comfort in their home.

This is certainly a harsh yet increasingly common reality for many of our seniors who have worked hard within their communities, contributed to our society, and sacrificed much throughout their lives. Now, at a time when most of them should be enjoying their twilight years with a degree of security and certainty, they instead find themselves nearing the brink of economic collapse due to an economy that has fast outpaced their incomes.

We at the REAS Foundation understand our obligation and responsibility to those who have given so much, and are committed to providing relief and energy assistance to our seniors. Inspired by the leadership and community commitment demonstrated by Savings Southbridge Bank last winter, we have brought together an incredible group of selfless individuals who are determined to find solutions for, and provide relief from, escalating energy costs for our most vulnerable community members - our seniors.

Please join us in helping to move this program forward. Your time, your efforts, and your donations will provide a foundation of hope for our seniors, who more and more are becoming forgotten members of our communities. Our goal is to raise $20,000 this year, with at least half of that coming by means of a simple $10.00 donation from 1000 families in Sturbridge. Please consider joining the REAS 10K Circle of Friends by sending your donation today.

Thomas R. Creamer
Executive Director