ANDERSON — A significant number of Madison County families struggle to pay winter heating bills and face the possibility of utility disconnection during the coldest months of the year, according to the United Way of Madison County.

The Friend to Friend Utility Assistance Fund provides help to struggling local families at risk of losing heat in their homes because of a lack of funds.

United Way of Madison County, the City of Anderson and the Community Access Network (CAN) are partnering again this year to support the county-wide assistance program.

The program, which began in 2001, has provided assistance to thousands of Madison County residents throughout its existence. Financial support is needed from the community to meet this year’s anticipated need.

All donations collected for this fund will help qualified Madison County residents reduce their utility bills during the coldest winter months.

“The need for utility assistance is great every year,” said Kim Williams, vice president for United Way of Madison County. “Last year, Friend to Friend was able to help hundreds of Madison County families with the assistance they needed to avoid utility disconnection. There are many cold days ahead, and we anticipate the need will be just as great as last year.

“We need individuals and businesses to step up and help families stay warm safely rather than give them no choice but to turn to unsafe heating sources.”

Families may be protected from having utilities disconnected between Dec. 1 and March 15 by Indiana law. However, residents are still responsible for heating costs that accumulate during that period. On March 15, when temperatures may still be low, at-risk residents could face utility disconnection if they are unable to pay their existing utility bill.

Utility assistance is available until funds run out. Individuals can be connected to assistance by calling 2-1-1 or contacting any CAN partner organization, including the Interlocal Community Action Program, Salvation Army, First United Methodist Church or the George Morrisett Center.

People wishing to contribute to the fund may direct donations to “Friend to Friend Energy Assistance Fund,” c/o United Way of Madison County, P. O. Box 1200, Anderson, IN 46015-1200.

Online contributions can be made at www.unitedwaymadisonco.org/giveheat. All contributions are tax-deductible.