Major Beth Sanders, executive director for Sevier County’s Salvation Army, said she has seen so many people requesting help to stay warm that she already overspent her budget for utility assistance in December and January.
Colder temperatures and the resulting higher utility bills for Sevier County residents have stretched the agency’s ability to help locals in need.
“We have applied for federal funding for the increasing need, but it will be several weeks before we see any of the Federal Emergency Management Agency money,” Sanders said. Sanders also stated that once she receives the FEMA funding, she must make it last all year. If the summer proves to be a scorcher, she will need part of the funding to help Sevier County residents stay cool.
For now, cooling is not a problem, as evidenced by those requesting help on paying their heating bills.
“We served 18 families in December and 24 families so far this month with utility bill assistance,” Sanders said.
Some of the families received payment for a portion of their electric bill, and others received vouchers for kerosene or other fuel to fill heaters and tanks.
They also received requests for heaters, but the agency didn’t have a supply of them to give.
“We only had one heater to give away and it is already gone,” Sanders said. “A gentleman in his 50s came and asked for it, and said that his kerosene heater was broken.”
Sanders said that families requesting the kerosene vouchers do not have central heat and air in their homes and the heaters are the primary source of heat. When the temperatures really drop, having one heater in a home isn’t about comfort as much as it is survival. “Cold weather is especially hard on small children and seniors,” Sanders said.
Persons wishing to contribute heaters or donations of money to the Salvation Army can call 908-4010. The heaters need to be in good working order and should be brought to the agency’s 806 West Main Street location and not the Thrift Store.
Sanders stated, “We would appreciate any help the community can offer.”

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