February is the coldest time of the year and it can be a hard month for those living in

poverty.

Thanks to the efforts of the Red Cross, Alabama Power, and Catholic Social Ministry, paying the heating bill can beome a lot easier for some.

Project Share, created by Alabama Power in 1982, asks customers to donate at least $1 a month to help pay the power bills of the elderly and disabled. Alabama Gas Company asks its customers to do the same.

This year the Catholic Social Ministry will help the Red Cross distribute funds to qualified residents.

Project Share begins on Jan. 20, and continues until March.

The Ministry has installed an answering machine for residents interested in qualifying for Project Share to call. Appointments will be made for those eligible.

In order to participate in Project Share, a person must be the head of a household and

age 62 or older. Those on disability are also eligible to receive funds.

Sister Chaput said it normally takes about 45 minutes for each person to complete the forms, but she is &uot;hoping that it will only take us 30 minutes so we can help more people quickly.&uot;

Since the Ministry is volunteering its time, its biggest concern is finding money to buy stamps and envelopes in order to mail the forms to Birmingham.

Anyone who would like to donate to Project Share can simply check the box on their Alabama Power or Alagasco bill. Donations can be sent to the Red Cross. The Catholic Social Ministry can be contacted at 872-4213.