Winters in North Central PA can be cold, and this year has been even worse, with temperatures running below average. This means that already high heating bills have been, and will continue to be, even higher than normal. According to paenergyratings.com, the polar vortex that has been moving across Pennsylvania has been bringing colder air from the north, forcing homeowners and renters to more quickly exhaust their existing heating supplies while also driving up costs to heat their homes.
Given that fact, electricity has also been on the rise, regardless of how one heats their home, and that PA ranks 16th in the country for monthly heat costs, the average person’s budget has really taken a hit. While many area residents use electricity and natural gas, there are still a very large number of people using heating oil. The problem is that many simply cannot afford to buy it. This is where Hats for Heat has stepped in to help.
Hats For Heat is a nonprofit organization that assists individuals stay warm during the cold winter months and is the brainchild of Vince Reeder and Echo Mitchell of Montoursville. “Hats For Heat was born organically when I shared a picture of myself wearing a camouflage hunting hat on Facebook,” said Reeder. “It sparked interest from over 30 people in just a few hours. My significant other and co-founder, Echo Mitchell, and I saw an opportunity to make a difference and started selling hats, with 100% of the profits going to help those in need stay warm during the winter months. Our first batch of 100 hats sold out even before we received them, and we now offer a variety of apparel and 27 hat styles.”
It doesn’t hurt that Vince “Vinnie” Reeder knows the heating oil business. Born and raised in Montoursville, Vinnie is one of three brothers who own Reeder Bros. Fuel Services Inc. based out of Montoursville since 1998. “We raise money through monetary donations, selling apparel and hats throughout the year; we also attend festivals and fairs,” said Reeder. “We have what we call our Super Bowl of events. It’s an annual basket raffle that we just had on February 1st and 2nd at the Loyalsock Hotel. The community, individuals, and businesses come together and donate baskets (204 this year) to help raise money for the cause. Through donations, ticket sales, and apparel, we’ve raised $71,086 to help those in need. So, it’s the community members coming together to help our community members in need stay warm. The money goes directly back into the community.” Reeder went on to say that he and Echo wanted to thank the community for supporting their cause. “We couldn’t do what we do without the community support. We are truly blessed to live in an area that is full of big hearts,” said Reeder.
When asked how the public can help, as this problem isn’t likely to go away, Reeder responded that the public could help by purchasing hats and apparel or by making monetary donations. “Facebook is probably the easiest way to connect,” said Reeder, “by searching or following Hats For Heat, Vince Reeder, or Echo Mitchell. We accept nominations of families in need through messenger at all 3 on Facebook.” You can also contact Vinnie and Echo via email at hats4heat@gmail.com or vincereeder@gmail.com to make a donation.
