The Salvation Army in Somerset County spent 17 thousand dollars last year to help needy residents with their heating bills. With these rising fuel prices, 17 thousand dollars won't go as far. So this year winterizing is top priority.

This year's high fuel prices pose a difficult situation. Charity organizations might not be able to help as many people this year, than in previous years.

Since their funding won't go as far this year, the Somerset County Salvation Army is running operation warm neighbor.

We need to do something to help our neighbor, says Reverend Barry Ritenour, who is with the Salvation Army.

They would like you to help your neighbor winterize their home through both donations and time.

What if we go out and call upon everyone in the county to come out and help us on the 12th of November and go out and put plastic on the windows, put weather stripping on the doors, says Reverend Ritenour.

The program will also get those in need furnace tune-ups, anything to help them save money.

We're looking for anybody who can swing a hammer or cut some plastic, we need carpenters, adds Reverend Ritenour.

So far thirty families have signed up for assistance but Reverend Ritenour expects more than fifty will need help.

If you would like to sign up for assistance or to donate, call 445-9232.

You will have to move quickly because the deadline is November the 7th.

Rich Klindworth, Channel 6 News.