ATLANTA, Nov. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power is inviting customers to join the company and The Salvation Army to make a difference this holiday season through the longstanding Project SHARE initiative. Project SHARE, established in partnership with The Salvation Army in 1985, was one of the first fuel funds in America and provides assistance for expenses, such as utility bills, housing, food and medical necessities. By donating as little as a dollar through their Georgia Power bill payment, customers can provide meaningful, localized assistance for a neighbor in need with donated funds staying in the same community. More than one million Georgians have received assistance from the program over the past 30 years.

"Project SHARE grew from our commitment to developing customer-focused programs that can make an impact and is fueled by our customers' generosity and desire to help their neighbors," said Louise Scott, vice president of customer service for Georgia Power. "Thanks to our long-standing partnership with The Salvation Army, Project SHARE continues to be one of our most successful charitable programs in communities in every part of the state."

"Through Project SHARE, The Salvation Army reaches thousands of Georgians in crisis every year. A sick family member, a lost job, or other serious challenges often make it difficult to maintain a safe and secure home," said Major Charles Powell, divisional commander of The Salvation Army of Georgia. "With the generous support of Georgia Power and thousands of their concerned customers, The Salvation Army is able to intervene and provide stability and security for many such households. We are sincerely grateful for this outstanding partnership and the real difference it makes for people in need across our state."

Program Has Broad Impact
Since Project SHARE's inception, approximately 363,000 households throughout the state have received assistance with more than $67 million contributed to the program by Georgia Power and its customers. Last year, more than 36,000 Georgia Power customers donated to the program leading to a total contribution, including Georgia Power's match, of more than $2.3 million.

Donate to Project SHARE
Although Georgia Power's support of the program continues throughout the year, the company highlights the work of Project SHARE annually on December and January Georgia Power bills. By enrolling in the program, customers have the option to make an automatic monthly donation of $1, $2, $5 or $10 simply by adding the amount to their bill payment. Georgia Power then matches the donation, dollar for dollar.

Georgians can also make a one-time donation directly to Project SHARE through The Salvation Army by calling (800) 257-4273 or visiting www.salvationarmygeorgia.org. To learn more about Project SHARE, or to support the program with Georgia Power today, visit www.georgiapower.com/projectshare.

About Georgia Power:
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

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SOURCE Georgia Power