Winter is here, and with winter's chill come winter heating bills. Many families have trouble meeting these additional expenses, but help is available through an assistance program.

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) began in 1985 with a partnership between Massachusetts gas and electric utilities, and the Salvation Army. The Fund was established to help the state's working poor, elderly, handicapped, and others in financial crisis, who did not qualify for other fuel assistance. Today, 27 utilities belong to this consortium. Since 1985, 54,500 families have been helped by GNEF.

The GNEF needs your support. More families will need help this winter than ever before. To contribute, make your check payable to GNEF and mail to:

      Good Neighbor Energy Fund
      c/o Salvation Army
      147 Berkeley Street
      Boston, MA 02116

All contributions are tax deductible, and your community will receive 100 percent of your contribution. Every donation makes a difference.

If you wish to apply for assistance from the GNEF program, call GNEF through the Eastern Massachusetts Salvation Army at 1-978-342-9407 or toll-free at 1-800-334-3047.