The Entergy Corp. of Louisiana donated $1,500 for the Weatherization Assistance Program for St. James Parish. The program helps low to moderate income families prepare their homes with energy efficient appliances, including water heaters, light bulbs and smoke detectors as well as better securing existing windows and doors. By improving the safety and quality of the home, families benefit with reduced utility bills.

St. James Parish spokesperson Melissa Wilkins said the program, which has been in place in the parish since 1979, has already helped improve 13 homes this year with plans to complete five more dwellings before the end of 2010.

Wilkins said during the past 33 years, the Weatherization Assistance Program has provided weatherization services to more than 6.4 million low income households. Funding for the program is received from the state by way of the U.S. Department of Energy at no cost to the residents.