Bitter Cold Sends Heating Assistance Need Soaring

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The recession already had employees at The Salvation Army busy with calls from people in need of help with utility bills, but Oklahoma's cold snap has increased the need even more.

Calls for heating assistance have jumped 30 percent since the winter need was pushed with the state's biggest blizzard and this week's sub zero temperatures.

"We've been getting about 250 calls a day for help," said social worker Ashley Jones.

There is not enough funding to help cover the need, so more people are being encouraged to help through the Share The Warmth program. It's a partnership between Oklahoma Natural Gas and The Salvation Army. The program allows ONG customers to add money to their bill to help towards someone in need.

Find out more information and how to participate in the Share The Warmth program.