Life can take unexpected turns, but many in Appalachia lack the resources to prepare for such surprises. Last fall during a visit to Kentucky we had an opportunity to visit with the "Johnson" family (name altered to ensure privacy). The family fell on hard times when their daughter had a stroke during her sixth month of her pregnancy. Living in a trailer with pieces of the floor missing, windows covered by cardboard to keep the rain from coming into the house and to keep the cold weather out. The parents, surviving only on their social security, were able to pay for the extensive medical bills with help from governmental assistance but were unable to pay a bill that is just as important, their heating bill. It is a sad fact that some in Appalachia suffer through cold weather in order to assure other basic needs such as food and medical expenses are met, but what basic need would you choose to go without in desperate times?

The winter months are not over; all around the hollers* (*small valleys between mountains) men, women, and children continue to brave the cold so that they can eat or go to the doctor. By donating online or mailing in your gift, you can help an empoverished Appalachian family receive utility assistance.