More people may be able to receive help with their heating bills this winter, thanks to a donation from the United Way to Bell-Whitley.

Cumberland Trails United Way recently presented a check for $2,000.00 to the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency. This one-time grant was made possible through the Pat Welch-Bowling Memorial Fund. Welch-Bowling was the former co-executive director of Cumberland Trails United Way, and the Fund began as a memorial to her many years of service to the United Way and the people of Bell County.

The grant was designated to help with the utility assistance program of Bell-Whitley. Bell-Whitley is one of more than over 1,000 Community Action Agencies in the United States. Organized in 1968 and incorporated in 1969, as part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight America's War on Poverty, Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency utilizes all resources available to help others to become self-sufficient.

"It is because of the support of the Cumberland Trails United Way, and the community, that we are able to help assist people with the rising costs of utilities," said Peggy S. Capps, executive director of Bell-Whitley.

"This is just one of several services that we offer. We also can help low-income families find, and perhaps purchase, housing; train for and secure employment; tuition assistance; and several other programs."

For a complete listing of services offered by the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency, visit their web site www.bell-whitley.org, or call (606) 337-3044 in Bell County or (606) 549-3933 in Whitley County.

Cumberland Trails United Way recently kicked off its 2005 campaign with a goal of $125,000. Baylor Fulton, president of the local United Way, recently said "This is going to be a real challenge for us to meet this goal, but the need is greater this year. Everyone needs to remember that all of the money donated stays here to help our people."

Cumberland Trails United Way helps to support 25 agencies in Bell, Whitley, and Knox counties in Kentucky, Claiborne County in Tennessee, and Lee County in Virginia. If you would like to support the Cumberland Trails United Way, or you are a non-profit agency interested in becoming involved in United Way, please feel free to contact Leo Haggerty, executive director, at:

Cumberland Trails United Way

P.O. Box 2092

Middlesboro, KY 40965

(606) 248-5603

E-mail: UnitedWay@CTUW.org

Web site: www.ctuw.org