SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) -- On a chilly day like this Thursday in Metro Detroit, some people might not think twice about turning up their thermostat a few degrees. But it's not that simple for everyone.
Generous donors from all across the area on Thursday stepped up in a big way, raising $325,101 in WWJ's 21st Annual Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW, The Heat and Warmth Fund.
That money will be donated in the form of heating assistance for thousands of Metro Detroit families can't afford to heat their homes or keep the lights on this winter. Many have even faced the situation of choosing between warmth or providing food and medication for their families.
Running from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 1, volunteers took calls for 14 hours and took pledges from callers to raise funds to pay utility bills for low-income and vulnerable Michigan residents.
While the Radiothon has come to an end, you can still help by donating any time of the year -- CLICK HERE to make a secure donation online!
In addition to THAW's donation website, the Radiothon online auction will remain open until 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, featuring gift cards, sports and entertainment and other experiences!
>> BROWSE AND BID IN THE ONLINE AUCTION FOR THAW, HERE!! <<
How does THAW help people in need? As the winter months set in and the days get colder, many of us turn up the heat and cozy in on chilly nights. Sadly, thousands of families in Southeastern Michigan are faced with tough decisions when the weather gets cold. Oftentimes families on tight budgets cannot afford to keep up with heating their homes or keeping the lights on. These financial strains cause residents to choose between feeding their families, paying for medications or keeping warm.
To assist local residents who are facing tough times, the funds raised by our listeners during the Radiothon directly benefit THAW agencies that provide low-income and vulnerable Michigan residents with payment assistance for heating and electricity bills. For many, this means keeping families safe and the heat on during frigid winter months.
THAW helps by preventing utility shut-offs, providing fuel or restoring services. They also help seniors on a fixed income and others who are struggling replace a broken furnace or other essential appliance. You can feel good about giving, because over 90% of all money raised by THAW goes directly to those in need, and THAW’s utility partners match every dollar that THAW raises so that $1 becomes $2 in energy assistance.
For more about THAW and what they do, visit thawfund.org. Need help with your heating bill? Visit this link.