It’s that time of the year — again.

No, we are not talking about Christmas. We are not talking about making resolutions for 2015.

It’s that time of the year when some people will find it hard to pay their bills when it comes to staying warm. Sad to say, some of those people will be the elderly, who need to stay warm to maintain good health. The warmth of human kindness can help keep people warm, physically and spiritually. That human kindness can be expressed by participating in energy-assistance programs.

Project HELP offers Washington Electric Utilities customers an opportunity to help those who have trouble paying their heating bills during the winter (and cooling bills in the summer). It’s a program deserving of support, especially during this time of the year.

Project HELP is a program that the city contributes to help assist customers who are having problems paying their utility bills. Project HELP raises money to provide that assistance in three ways. First, Washington Electric Utilities customers may round up their utility bills to the nearest dollar amount, with the difference between the amount of the bill and the rounded-up dollar amount going to Project Help. Second, a Washington Electric Utilities customer may make a lump-sum donation to Project HELP. Third, a Washington Electric Utilities customer may designate a specific amount to be added to his or her monthly utility bill, with that designated amount going to Project Help.

Contributions are tax deductible. WEU customers are not the only ones making donations to the program.

The City of Washington’s electric fund donates $10,000 a year to Project HELP, said Matt Rauschenbach, the city’s chief financial officer and assistant city manager. The city allocates $5,000 to Project HELP in July of each year for use during hot months and $5,000 in December for use during cold months, according to Rauschenbach.

Utility customers contribute slightly over $4,000 during a 12-month period, which equates to about $340 a month, Rauschenbach said.

Those chosen to receive assistance do not receive cash. Recipients receive vouchers to use toward paying their heating-related bills.

We like this system because it ensures the money is spent to meet energy needs and not on anything else. So as freezing temperatures return in the coming weeks, consider doing something as warm-hearted as making a contribution to Project HELP.

For more information about Project HELP, call the City of Washington at 252-975-9300 or stop by City Hall, 102 E. Second St., Washington.