WAPPINGERS FALLS – Bottini Fuel is expanding its “Warming the Homefront” program to provide free heating oil or propane to 60 additional veterans in need in the Hudson Valley. The program provides 100 gallons of free heating oil or propane to veterans or families of enlisted personnel who are suffering from financial hardships.
Since 2018, Bottini Fuel has delivered 100 gallons of free fuel to 74 veteran families. On Veterans Day, two more deliveries are already scheduled, according to Bottini spokeswoman Beth Cookinham. The company has partnered with Hudson Valley Veterans Alliance (HVVA), VetZero, and MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet to screen and refer candidates for eligibility.
“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to protect our country,” said Rick Bottini. “We have family who have served, along with many of our employees. This is our way of thanking our vets who have fallen on hard times.”
Dutchess County Veterans Services Director Adam Roche said, “This is a wonderful partnership that is making a difference in the lives of so many local veterans and their families.” Roche’s department ensures that Dutchess County veterans and their families receive their maximum eligible benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies at all levels of government. They also provide information to veterans on available programs such as “Warming the Homefront.”
“We’ve been working with Bottini for over two years now to help our brothers and sisters in need. It has been a godsend for them, many of whom have given so much for this country,” said Anthony Kavouras of HVVA. The organizations also take contributions earmarked for the program, to supplement the free fuel provided by Bottini Fuel. The company Bottini delivers the supplemental fuel at its wholesale cost, with no additional charges.
“We’re celebrating our 70th year of serving Hudson Valley families,” said Brian Bottini. “We thought of no better way to thank people than by expanding our commitment. Our biggest problem is actually alerting veterans in need that this program exists for them.”
To find out more about Warming the Home Front, click here.
