Christmas is past but the spirit of giving continues as the Coal Fund continues to bring in contributions.

Donations received since the last report, from Dec. 24, are $11,666.06.

This brings the total, as of Dec. 27, to $94,922.14.

The Coal Fund is instrumental in helping Greene Countians in need to heat their homes in cold weather.

When temperatures dipped below freezing, many in Greene County were very aware of their lack of funds to heat their homes.

The Coal Fund provides monetary assistance to fill this heating need.

It is sponsored by The Greeneville Sun and administered without any charge by the staff of Greeneville-Greene County Community Minstries.

Carmen Ricker, executive director of Community Ministries, gave examples of how the Fund is helping families in Greene County.

One Greene County mother has four teenage children. The mother was laid off, and unemployment compensation became the household income.

"The father does pay child support but not on a regular basis. When he fails to pay on time, the family is in a terrible shape financially," Ricker said.

In another family, three generations live under the same roof.

"Household income is from the mother's social security and a disability check," said Ricker.

"The son is disabled so his mother can't work outside the home. The need for kerosene to heat the house was the reason for coming to us, and a need for food.

"They own their home, which is a good thing.

"They only need community help when they need heating assistance or an emergency happens.

"That's why we are here in the first place. We are an emergency assistance agency," she said.

Contributions since the last report include:

* In memory of our parents, William and Gladys Wagner, and Robert and Frances Hyder, by Byron and Suzanne Wagner, $250;

* Timber Ridge Church, $200;

* In honor of the employees of Laughlin Memorial Hospital by Anonymous, $300;

* Anonymous, $100;

* The Newcomer Club, $200;

* In memory of Linton Stills by Gene and Alyne Stills, $50;

* Anonymous, $500;

* Anonymous, $100;

* First Baptist Church of Baileyton, $100;

* William H. Ahalt Jr. and Cheryl M. Ahalt, $100;

* In memory of Pete Parham by Marcella and Milton, $100;

* Amity Presbyterian Church, $1,000;

* In memory of James Lee Renner and Marlene Myers by Elsie, Sue, Harvey, Jean, Glenn, Nancy, Aldm, Kenny, Sandy, Diane and Milton, $110;

* Ken and Debra Oldenberg, $200;

* Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. Montgomery, $500;

* Dr. and Mrs. Maynard W. Austin, $1,000;

* Hartman's Chapel United Methodist Church, $250;

* Anonymous, $5,000;

* Middle Creek Community Church of God, $200;

* South Greene Ministerial Association, $200;

* Glenwood Ruritan Club, $250;

* Randy and Pam Harley, $200;

* Atmos Energy Corporation, $206.06;

* The Davy Crockett Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, $500;

* Anonymous, $50.

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