Although Christmas cheer still lingers, many need more than that to heat their homes.

Carmen Ricker, executive director of Greeneville/Greene County Community Ministries, oversees the Coal Fund, which helps Greene Countians heat their homes.

The Coal Fund is sponsored annually by The Greeneville Sun, but it is administered at no charge by Greeneville-Greene County Community Ministries' staff.

Donations received since the last report on Dec. 19, were $6,904.05.

The total donations as of Dec. 24 totaled $83,256.08.

Ricker said that the Coal Fund is helpful especially to families. Two in particular highlight the area's need for heating assistance.

Ricker told of a family of seven: a mother, father, and five children.

"The father works and usually meets the family's monthly expenses," Ricker said. "With this many in a home they always have a large electric and water bill.

"When they needed heating, they could not afford it and came to us for assistance. When people are trying and still have needs, it pulls at my heart strings -- especially when children are involved," Ricker said.

In another family consisting of a mother, father, and three school-age children, heating is a struggle.

"Household income is a disability check, and many months it does not cover monthly expenses," Ricker said.

"Their need was for food, and they were very concerned about heating the house when they heard the weather report for cold weather," she said.

Those who have made donations to the Coal Fund Campaign since the last update include:

* Charles E. Spears, $100;

* S. E. C. Equipment, Inc., $200;

* Andre L. and Rita C. Chaloux, $100;

* Anonymous, $50;

* Anonymous, $20;

* Eastview Elementary School Third Grade Class, $134.05;

* Charles L. and Joe Anne Lintz, $200;

* Billy and Becky Brown, $100;

* In honor of L.A. "Buddy" Yonz by Meco Employees, $100;

* Clem and Beverly Allison, $75;

* Anonymous, $100;

* Norman "Hoss" Light, Morristown, $100;

* Anonymous, $100;

* Bill and Melinda Hickerson, $500;

*Anonymous, $100;

* In honor of Jake and Leah by Phil and LeAnne Thwing, $1,000;

* Disciples Sunday School Class of Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, $200;

* In memory of Gordon M. Furchess by Ray and Shirley Waldroupe, $100;

* Mr. and Mrs. John T. Johnson, Jr., $100;

* Anonymous, $50;

* Anonymous, $150;

* New Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, $500.00

* Ladies Aid of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church of Sunnyside, $100;

* In memory of Lillian Jernigan by Roy Klumb, $1,000.00;

* In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Fannon by Anonymous, $50;

* In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Sexton by Anonymous, $50;

* In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hogan by Anonymous, $50;

* In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Fannon by Anonymous, $50;

* In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Willingham by Anonymous, $50;

* In memory of Mr. Connie Sexton by Anonymous, $50;

* In memory of Mr. T. O. Luttrell by Anonymous, $50;

* In memory of William E. Bowman Sr. by Barbara H. Bowman, $100;

* Spencer Smith, $500;

* In memory of Ken Neal by Anonymous, $100;

* Ottway United Methodist Women, $200;

* "Happy Birthday Jesus" by Anonymous, $75;

* In memory of The Newtown Victims by Buford and Imogene Shipley, $100;

* Anonymous, $100;

* The Bridge Group, $200.

Those who would like to contribute to the Coal Fund may 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