THOUSAND OAKS : Utility Bill Collection to Aid Senior Programs

Thousand Oaks residents can help seniors’ programs in the community by dropping off their Southern California Edison or GTE phone bills at the Goebel Senior Center, officials said.

Conejo Valley Senior Concerns will get 30 cents for each bill dropped off at the senior center under the new program dubbed “Utilipay,” said Frances K. Prince, the nonprofit agency’s executive director.

About one-quarter of the proceeds will go to the Conejo Recreation and Park District, which runs the senior center. The rest will go to fund programs by Senior Concerns, such as providing meals to homebound seniors and running the Fitzgerald Senior Day Support Center for older people with special needs.

Jane Duhon of Newbury Park said she took advantage of the service Friday because it saved postage, offered convenience and gave a boost to senior services.

“I save on stamps,” Duhon said. “I thought why not let the seniors get a little benefit out of it too.”

Utility companies have other drop-box locations in Ventura County, but most are in for-profit businesses that draw large crowds, officials said.

Any company or organization that offers a drop-off site receives money in return, officials said.

The only other nonprofit organization running a drop-off location for the Edison Co. is the senior center in Ojai, said spokeswoman Carol Larson.

Last year, that senior center received $16,000 for accepting bills for the power, gas and phone companies, said Marlene Spencer, executive director.

“It’s a nice way for people to support us without having to dig any deeper in their pockets,” Spencer said.

Volunteers from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program will take payments in person from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. During other times, customers can leave payments in a drop box at the senior center.

The Thousand Oaks agency hopes that other utilities will set up drop locations at the senior center, Prince said.