PPL Electric Utilities' Operation HELP campaign, a tradition of giving to help utility customers in crisis, is underway.

"Since we started this program in 1983, the generous response from PPL employees and retirees, the utility and its customers has been amazing," said Tim Dahl, PPL Electric Utilities manager of regulatory programs and business services. "Donations from all these sources both inside and outside PPL provide peace of mind and have a positive impact."

Operation HELP is administered by a network of local agencies and every dollar donated goes to assisting those in need with any of their energy bills. The program is not restricted to electric bill assistance.

More than 86,000 families have benefited from more than $24 million collected through Operation HELP in the past 30 years. Its projected donations in 2013 will be approximately $1.45 million, with $400,000 coming from PPL Electric Utilities customers, $50,000 from PPL employees and retirees and $1 million from PPL Corporation.

The utility annually asks all PPL employees to support the program and makes a payroll deduction option available. Utility customers receive an Operation HELP insert with their December bills. Customers can choose to make a one-time donation or have a specified amount added to their monthly bill. Those who are not PPL Electric Utilities customers can also help.