ATLANTA, Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power launches its annual Project SHARE campaign, which is a partnership between Georgia Power and the Salvation Army that provides assistance in paying electric bills for those in need.

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Through the program, citizens are offered assistance when emergencies – such as acquiring food, shelter, clothing, medical supplies and even paying utility bills – arise in their lives. Georgia Power customers can support the effort by simply adding $1, $2, $5 or $10 to their electric bill each month. Georgia Power then matches each customer contribution dollar-for-dollar and forwards the monies through the Salvation Army Corps Community Centers. 

Customers interested in participating can make their selection on their electric bill or make a one-time donation by calling 1-800-257-4273. Customers can also donate directly to the Salvation Army or via our home page, georgiapower.com/projectshare.

This year marks the 27th year Georgia Power has partnered with the Salvation Army to offer assistance to families in need. This statewide effort provides support to families in all 159 Georgia counties. Funds collected typically stay in the counties in which they originate, so customers can provide support in their own back yard. It's a program of neighbors helping neighbors.

Georgia Power's motto is to be "A Citizen Wherever We Serve." "The Project SHARE campaign is just another way we achieve that goal by getting support to those in need closest to us. In tough economic times, the need for support services can be so great that the people closest to us often go forgotten. Project SHARE offers a way for neighbors to provide needed support in an anonymous, impactful way," said Georgia Power President and CEO Paul Bowers.

Last year, more than 50,000 Georgians benefited from the program, and Georgia Power and its customers contributed $2.3 million to the effort. Since its inception, Project SHARE has collected $50 million through customer donations and the company's match. Georgia Power's commitment to this partnership allows the company to help its customers live better every day.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.

SOURCE Georgia Power