JACKSON, Mich., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As many Michigan families struggle to make ends meet, Consumers Energy and The Salvation Army are asking those with resources to "Please lend a hand to those in need" through the PeopleCare program. That appeal is featured in the utility's Newsline being received this month by 2.9 million customers. Consumers Energy and The Salvation Army created PeopleCare to provide help to individuals and families. In 2008, PeopleCare helped nearly 11,000 families across Michigan, providing food, shelter, clothing, and other emergency aid. The Salvation Army determines eligibility for energy bill credits and other help and distributes the aid. "The PeopleCare program is so important. It allows us to address any emergency need - utilities, food, prescriptions and housing, so wherever possible, we can layer multiple services," said Whitney Schraw, utility programs manager for The Salvation Army in Grand Rapids. "For the past 26 years, it's been the PeopleCare program that enables us to help families through the summer months when other funding has dried up. The generosity of Consumers Energy customers and employees to PeopleCare and The Salvation Army is greatly appreciated." Consumers Energy customers and employees contributed more than $850,000 for PeopleCare in 2008. In addition, Consumers Energy provided $1.5 million in energy bill credits last year. The utility also is providing $1.5 million in bill credits in 2009. Consumers Energy customers can support PeopleCare's work of helping families and individuals by a variety of payment methods. Customers may donate $3 a month or make a one-time donation of $5 by checking one of the boxes at the top of their July bill. If they'd like to contribute a different amount, or make a donation by credit card, they can fill out the form in Newsline and return it with the special PeopleCare envelope enclosed with their July bill. Donations also may be made online at http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/peoplecare. Other contributions may be sent to: PeopleCare Consumers Energy Lansing, Mich. 48937-0001 "Michigan's struggling economy has impacted all residents, especially those on limited income, as well as those recently unemployed. Therefore, it is more important than ever to dig a little deeper to help our neighbors with quick, direct assistance through PeopleCare," said Debra Harmon, the utility's customer assistance coordinator. To see scenarios of families helped by PeopleCare, or to download a brochure, visit http://www.consumersenergy.com/peoplecare. Since it was established in 1983, PeopleCare has helped 360,000 households in Michigan. Consumers Energy employees and customers have donated nearly $13 million to support PeopleCare and the utility has contributed $27 million in energy bill credits for total support of $40 million. Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at http://www.consumersenergy.com/ DATASOURCE: Consumers Energy CONTACT: Dan Bishop, +1-517-788-2395, or Jeff Holyfield, +1-517-788-2394, both of Consumers Energy Web Site: http://www.consumersenergy.com/

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