Programs working to distribute lightbulbs, energy efficiency education

Columbia Missourian

COLUMBIA — For low-income families, a dollar saved is a dollar earned. 

The Columbia Metro Rotary Club, Central Missouri Community Action's Weatherization Assistance Program and the CoMo Energy Challenge are working together to distribute five free LED lightbulbs to each of 40 low-income families in Boone County.

"The (U.S.) Department of Energy estimates that replacing five of your most frequently used lights in the home can save you up to $75 a year," said Metro Rotary Club Community Service Committee co-chair Leah Christian. "That makes a big difference in lower-income families, where every purchase — from a gallon of milk to baby's diapers — is really important. So even $75 in a year is a good amount of savings."

Christian said the education on energy efficiency will benefit these families in the future, too.

"We're also distributing energy-efficiency education and hoping to partner on some courses down the road to help people realize how much energy they use, how much money they spend on it and to learn more about saving energy down the road," Christian said.

The giveaway reflects the goals of the city of Columbia, showing how various community partners can work together to reach larger civic goals such as energy efficiency and alleviating poverty, Christian said.

"I think this is a great example of collaboration between a civic group, the city and a local not-for-profit," Christian said. "At Metro Rotary, we like to focus on collaborative partnerships to help those in need."

If the program is successful, Christian said it might be able to continue and even expand in the future.

To qualify, residents must be at 200 percent of the federal poverty level or below and live within Boone County. To apply, call 573-443-8706, ext. 1958 or visitwww.showmeaction.org/services/weatherization.