Helping The Needy During Winter Months - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

OMAHA (kptm) - With winter just around the corner, heat is on many of our minds.  But what do you do if you don't have it? 

Snow.  We all know it's coming.  But when it does, will you have what's needed to keep you warm and safe?  "Nebraska's gonna get hit sooner or later.  We've had some nice winters these last few years," Omaha resident Kathy Hall says.

The Salvation Army has several programs to help those in need during the winter months.  They collect coats, mittens, and hats during their winter warm up and even pay heating costs for those who can't afford it.  Tiffanie McCowin with the Salvation Army says, "We are able to help those people who are struggling to pay those bills who have a shut off notice or who's service has already been disconnected."

But Kathy Hall says no one will help her.  Her furnace broke down last winter and her air conditioner quit working.  On top of that she's disabled and struggling financially.  She worries this winter will be the worst months of her life.  "I am trying to get by.  I went all summer without air, so I just don't know how to do it with pipes freezing," Hall says.

The Salvation Army says, it's a problem that's so costly, even they can't help.  "We don't have the funding to provide assistance to assist someone replacing a furnace or even getting repairs done to a furnace," McCowin says.

"All you can do is pray that somebody out there will step up to help or know the right way to go," Hall says.

Praying for a miracle, hoping for a lifesaver. 

Omaha's extreme winter cold can be deadly.  If you would like to contribute heat assistance or donate any winter clothing such as coats, hats, or scarves you can do so at the Omaha Salvation Army off 36^th and Cuming.