QUINCY, Mass. -- A heating oil connection will bring 12 million discounted gallons to needy families in Massachusetts.

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that in a deal brokered by Rep. William Delahunt the government of Venezuela will provide the crude. It's an unusual alliance since the president of that country is deeply at odds with the Bush Administration.

It was not your usual ground-breaking photo opportunity. Featuring rubber orange gloves instead of shovels, it was lead by Joe Kennedy, of Citizens Energy, followed by the president and CEO of Citgo, Delahunt and the Venezuelan ambassador to the United States.

They made the first delivery of discounted home heating oil that will eventually help 40,000 low-income households. Linda Kelly is recipient No. 1.

"It's a gift from Venezuela, and we're having a party," she said.

Citgo, owned by Venezuela, is selling the oil 60 to 80 cents gallons less than the market rate to needy families.

Citgo was the only one to answer Kennedy's request for help. He excoriated the industry for pocketing billions since Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.

"When it comes to saying whether there is enough money to increase a little bit for the fuel assistance program, what do we hear from Washington? 'Sorry boys. There is no money in the till,'" Kennedy said.

Delahunt acknowledged the animosity between President George W.. Bush and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, but insisted the day was not about political one-upsmanship.

"This, today, is about people. It is not about politics," Delahunt said.

Despite their denials that politics played any part in this deal, Kennedy admitted this donation and the oil assistance program in this state barely make a dent.

Two-thirds of the families qualifying for assistance won't receive it this winter and those who do, will likely use up their allotment by Jan.1.