The first calendar week of 2018 add arecord - breakingcold snap to parts of the U.S. While some family tough out the weather from the comfort of their heated homes , others are n’t so fortunate . Each wintertime , many low - income family have to opt between keep the heat on and purchase groceries . This problem affects a range of people , but senior citizens and people living with disabilities are especially vulnerable this clock time of year . gratefully , there are programs out there help families stay warm .

For residents of Minnesota , there’sHeatShare , an exigency utility program assistance service of process from the Salvation Army . The United States Department of State see some of the harsh winters in the res publica , with temperature often plummetingbelow zero . The Salvation Army offers funds to pay for natural gas , petroleum , propane , and electricity to citizenry who need it through their Minnesota operating centers .

“ The curriculum has provide more than $ 40 million worth of help to over 150,000 house since 1982 , ” the program page say . “ Annually , about 4700 households receive an norm of $ 370 to keep their homes warm . ”

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About 40,000 family demand for help covering their heating bills each year , which is more than the computer program ’s budget can handle . you could donate your own money to the causal agency directly through the Salvation Army’swebsite .

The Salvation Army is n’t the only organization facilitate people suffer the cold . shop at by the Citizens Energy Corporation , Joe-4 - Oiloffers free heating fossil oil in 16 states , admit Maine , Alaska , Virginia , and Wisconsin . The program operate with local fuel assistanceagenciesand heating oil provider to make deliveries of 100 gal of vegetable oil per season directly to the habitation of those who need it . you’re able to assist the program by donate to the Citizens Programs Corporation throughPayPal .

Looking for another way to make the winter calendar month a little loose for families who are struggling ? Here are some proffer ofitems to donate .