The arrival of the first day of winter on Friday, cold, biting wind, and light snow peppering down from time to time are good reminders of the reality that many in Greene County need help to simply have heat in their homes.

The Coal Fund, sponsored by The Greeneville Sun and administered without any charge by the staff of Greeneville-Greene County Community Minstries, has helped ease that need for decades.

Donations received since the Dec. 17 report in this year's Christmas Coal Fund Campaign 7 total $11,079.

The new donations bring total contributions, as of Dec. 19, to $76,352.03.

Carmen Ricker, executive director of Community Ministries, said the Coal Fund fills a definite need in the community for families and individuals, many of whom are elderly.

One older gentleman whom the Coal Fund has helped lives alone.

"He is such a nice person that the interviewer quite often writes complimentary notes on his record," Ricker said.

"The only request he has from here is for food, and kerosene for heating. His income barely covers his expenses so when he needs kerosene, he comes in here.

"Thanks to our caring community, we have always assisted with this need," she said.

Another older man lives with his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter.

"He does draw Social Security so there is some income," said Ricker.

"He is oxygen-dependent, and really it is a good thing for this family to be together.

"The granddaughter is the amazing one. She more or less takes on the role of 'head of the house.' She is so caring," Ricker said.

"She is not in her 20s yet but seems to be so much older. She was the one who came in for her grandfather. He was in the car but not able to come in.

"They had a need for food and heating. He is a frail, little old man, and I'm sure it is hard for him to keep warm," she said.

Contributions since the last report include:

* Pat Holt, $200;

* Stone Dam Mission Fund, $250;

* Anonymous, $20;

* Afton United Methodist Church, $50;

* Linda's Sunday School Class of Afton United Methodist Church, $25;

* Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, $392;

* Hermon United Methodist Church, $600;

* In memory of Stokely, Chloe and Arnold Johnson by Anonymous, $100;

* In memory of James A. and Ollie Mae Brown, Susie Watts and Dan Brown by Anonymous, $100;

* Adventurer Sunday School Class of Cumberland Presbyterian Church, $100;

* In honor of Suite B Farm Bureau Claims Department employees by Lynn Carter, $200;

* In honor of Hattie Bryant by Hattie Bryant Circle of Friendship Baptist Church, $100;

* Friendship Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church, $100;

* In memory of Carroll Morrell by his Family, $1,000;

* In honor of Bob and Ivy Leonard by employees of LMR Plastics, $275;

* In honor of Mary Carmack by Dorcos Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church, $100;

* Couples Sunday School Class of Greystone Free Will Baptist Church, $300;

* Greeneville Brokers Council, Inc., $250;

* Charlotte Thomas, $100;

* In honor of our teachers by the Bond-Between-Us Class of First Christian Church, $200;

* In memory of Grant and Bernice Seay and Wayne McInturff by Anonymous, $300;

* Bennie R. McDonald, $200;

* In memory of Billy and Billie Jo McAmis and Lee Kiker by Eric and Jan Kiker, $200;

* In honor of North Greene High School Principal David McLain, and Assistant Principal Chris Gardenhour, by North Greene faculty and staff, $100;

* In memory of Daniel Hamilton, Roger Hamilton, Russell Hamilton and Karen Hamilton by Anonymous, $200;

* Anonymous, $50;

* Greene County Trustee Office, $60;

* Anonymous, $250;

* Jerry J. Moore, $25;

* In honor of EastView Elementary School teachers and staff by Dale Landers, $100;

* Middle Adult Sunday School Class of Cedar Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church, $200;

* Dr. Jerry F. and Carolyn L. Ward, $200;

* In memory of Matilda Bowen by Doug and Tina Archbold, $50;

* In memory of Jean Broyles by Doug and Tina Archbold, $50;

* Anonymous, $500;

* Anonymous, $1,000;

* In memory of Isaac White Jr. by Polly and Larry Daniel, $25;

* Ruth Circle of First Christian Church, $100;

* Earl and Marlene Howe, $100;

* Bethany Free Will Baptist Church, $250;

* Dot Alexander, $100;

* Roger A. and Patricia L. Gaskins, $100;

* The Notre Dame Council of Catholic Women, $472;

* Jones Memorial AME Zion Church, $100;

* Anonymous, $200;

* In memory of Margaret and Hall Barry, and Mattie and Mart Russell, by their family, $100;

* Laughlin Memorial Hospital Volunteer Services, $500;

* Jim and Linda Chapman, $200;

* Anonymous, $100;

* In honor of Pat Donaldson Christmas 2012 by Tusculum View School, $50;

* Joyce Solomon, $100;

* In memory of Hal Brown by John and Kim Gregory, $200;

* In honor of our son, John Albert Hankins, by Susan Neas Hankins and Louis A. Hankins, $100;

* Employees at Nolachuckey-Holston Area Mental Health Center, $135;

* In memory of Bobby D. Arwood and Ina B. Cutshall by Barbara Arwood, $200.

The annual Coal Fund Campaign runs from Thanksgiving through Dec. 31, but Ricker said Community Ministries will accept additional donations throughout the year.

Those who would like to contribute to the Coal Fund can deliver checks (payable to The Coal Fund) or cash directly to the Community Ministries office at 107 N. Cutler St., between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays.

Contributions also can be mailed to:

The Coal Fund

P.O. Box 545,

Greeneville, TN 37744