BIRMINGHAM, Mich. - Thornton & Grooms Inc. (TGI), a family-owned and -operated plumbing, heating, and cooling company, unveiled a program to help those who help others. Through the Hearts & Heroes Award, TGI will donate $1,000 each month to a different charitable organization that has demonstrated a commitment to a cause or issue affecting the lives or quality of life for Detroit-area residents.

“We appreciate all the great work that charitable groups and individuals do to help the people of this community,” said Mike Bergstrom of TGI. “We also appreciate that these organizations have been hit particularly hard by the economic downturn. We want to do what we can to help.”

The Ladies of Charity Clothes Closet & Food Pantry, established at the St. Hugo of The Hills Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills, were the first recipients of the new $1,000 prize awarded monthly to different area charities.

The awardees provide clothing, emergency food, and household and nursery items to people in need in Oakland County. Last year, approximately 8,800 area people received food, 5,700 were clothed, and 4,100 received household goods. According to the charity, the majority of funds and items needed to operate the Clothes Closet & Food Pantry come from contributions by generous individuals and organizations.

“I help package the meals, and we have seen the need rise dramatically over the past year,” said John Mahoney, a food pantry volunteer and Thornton & Grooms customer who nominated the charity.

TGI is encouraging charities and anyone who knows of a worthy organization to submit a nomination. Eligible candidates must have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and can be nominated for consideration by completing the nomination form online. Subsequent awards will be announced on the fifth of each month. For award consideration in the upcoming month, nominations must be received by TGI no later than the 25th of that month. The charitable recipient will receive the $1,000 award by the 10th of each month.

For more information, visit www.thorntonandgrooms.com.

Publication date:08/03/2009