Funded entirely by local donations of cash, this service assists people 60 years of age and older who are trapped in winter emergency situations with no money to buy fuel or pay fuel bills. Designed to prevent needy persons from having to choose between paying for fuel, food or medicine. 

The major fund-raiser, the annual Walkathon, is held the first Sunday afternoon of May each year. Churches sponsor Hearthwarming Sunday in February each year. This is one of MEOC’s longest running programs and it assists close to 800 elderly households each winter. The 2007 walkathon raised $155,000 in this one-day annual event and is a tribute to the community support and involvement cultivated by MEOC over the years and the cultural tradition of the region to meet basic needs of its older people.

Fees: No charge.  Contributions and donations accepted.

Eligibility:  Persons aged 60+ in an emergency situation.

Intake Procedure:  Walk-ins and telephone referrals accepted.

Service Area:  Lee, Scott and Wise Counties, and The City of Norton.