Snohomish County PUD customers and employees gave more than $100,000 last year to help people struggling to pay their utility bills. The contributions, collected through two community programs, helped more than 1,000 customers in 2010. Project PRIDE is a program funded through voluntary donations from PUD ratepayers and contributions to the Red Cross of Snohomish County. The program assists low-income customers with their electric bills. The Red Cross administers the program, keeping overhead expenses to a minimum.

Another local program, Helping Hands, receives donations from PUD employees to assist low- income senior citizens with their utility bills. Helping Hands raises funds through various means, including employee payroll deductions; a holiday bazaar fundraiser; coffee funds; book fairs and other events. Snohomish County Human Services helps administer the program by identifying those in need and distributing checks to local residents.

Customers that want to contribute to the Project PRIDE program can use the card enclosed in utility bills or call Customer Service at 425/783-1000.