Mildred Peeks

Never give up - and never feel sorry for yourself. That's the heartfelt philosophy of Mildred Peeks, a widow and former educator who was forced to leave her profession when she suffered a stroke. Ms. Peeks struggles to make ends meet on a fixed income. "I never used to think about how contributions to programs like H.E.A.T. help so many people," she says. "But when I became disabled, I understood more than ever the importance of putting myself in other people's shoes. You have to give help when you can, and you have to ask for help when you need it." A former principal and assistant school superintendent, Ms. Peeks tutors handicapped students each week. Despite all her hardships, she's a survivor, and she firmly believes in "carrying on" with the help of programs like H.E.A.T.

Jacqueline Horner

A single parent for 13 years, Jackie Horner assumed she would always have her job in corporate America. But she found out in 2002 that no one is assured of job security during tough economic times. With her oldest child in college and 16-year-old twins at home, Ms. Horner suddenly found herself jobless. "Companies are downsizing everywhere, and finding a job opportunity is tough right now," she says. "I knew I needed help." H.E.A.T., she says, helped make a cold winter a little less harsh for the Horner family.

Sandra Russell

For Sandra Russell, just walking a short distance is a painful experience. A diabetic with a disabling condition in her feet, Ms. Russell manages to raise three grandchildren while living on a fixed income. Receiving H.E.A.T. funds helped her avoid having her natural gas service disrupted during the cold winter months. "It's so important for people to give to H.E.A.T.," she says, "especially when cold weather is on the way."

Margaret Selover

"I've always wanted a way to say 'thank you' to the people who give to H.E.A.T.," says Margaret Selover. "This money goes to real people with real problems." Ms. Selover had to stop working after she injured the left side of her body when she fell down a flight of stairs. She shares her modest apartment with her 20-year-old son, William, who underwent a kidney transplant eight years ago. Her daughter, who graduated from high school in 2002, recently joined the Air Force. Ms. Selover says she taught both of her children that sometimes they may have to accept help, but they should always give back whenever they can. "No one ever thinks they'll be disabled until it happens," she says. "When it does happen, you are in shock, and you have to ask for help. Thank goodness for programs like H.E.A.T."

Sharon Wilmont

While she waits for her doctor to say she can return to work, Sharon Wilmont struggles with the pain in her injured knee and the challenge of providing for her two sons, an active 21-month-old and a very busy 11-year-old. Ms. Wilmont's cousin, who was a recipient of H.E.A.T. funds in 2002, encouraged her to look into the program. "H.E.A.T. has been such a blessing for us," she says. "I've been out of work since February 2002, when I tore a ligament in my knee. Without H.E.A.T., I couldn't have kept my house warm this winter."

Don Burian

Golf fan Don Burian is struggling with the physical challenges that being 74 years old can bring. His apartment is modest, with a heating system that is less than efficient. "During the winter, my heating bills are really high," he says. "H.E.A.T. has helped me cope with having to make those monthly energy payments. I am thankful to get this help. I don't know what a lot of people would do without it."

Paul Nelson

Paul Nelson lives on a fixed income, and much of his limited funds have to be spent on medication. He tries to make ends meet, but often finds himself behind in paying his bills. "When I have to buy so much medicine, my gas bill gets behind," he says. "But H.E.A.T. sure has helped me when I needed it the most. It's important to have programs like H.E.A.T. because everybody needs help from time to time."

Natalie Baker

A single parent raising a five-year-old son, Natalie Baker knows she should plan for the future. The full-time student at a local technical college wants to make life better for Isaiah and herself, but she needs help to get them through the toughest times. "Times got really hard for us," she says, "and my heating bill had doubled. H.E.A.T. is a lifesaver for people who are less fortunate and who don't have enough income at a particular time."