Lincoln Action Program is encouraging cash donations to put toward a holiday-season "Gift of Warmth" -- helping people who cannot afford to pay their home heating bills.

Money donated to the campaign will go to one-time assistance of as much as $300 to families who meet eligibility criteria.

Between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2,200 families went to LAP for help with electric, gas, propane or water bills. In response, the agency provided $227,151 in assistance to 1,437 families. That means more than 750 families had to be turned away, according a news release from LAP.

As the temperatures continue to drop, the number of families needing help will rise.

To give a "Gift of Warmth," send checks payable to Lincoln Action Program at 210 O St., Lincoln, NE 68508. Write "utility assistance" in the memo line.