Local News in Brief : Countywide : Utility Will Match Donations for Needy

For the sixth consecutive year, Southern California Gas Co. has asked its customers billed in February to contribute to a fund aimed at helping elderly, handicapped and low-income residents pay winter gas bills.

Through Monday, the gas company is soliciting donations through customer bill inserts to its Gas Assistance Fund, a program administered by United Way. The shareholders of SoCalGas will match dollar-for-dollar contributions to the fund up to $250. In March, United Way agencies will begin distributing the aid--up to $150 per household--to qualified people.

Last year, 18,590 gas company customers contributed a total of $259,000 to the fund, which the gas company increased about $250,000. The fund assisted 5,759 households.