The winters in Minnesota can be very cold. Unfortunately, not all homes in Austin will be warm throughout the winter.

Many Austin Utilities customers struggle to keep up with high winter bills, according to a news release from the utility, which offers its customers the opportunity to help out through the HeatShare Program.

HeatShare is a Salvation Army program that provides emergency utility assistance for people with no place left to turn. The program is funded in part by Salvation Army donors and customers of local utility companies such as Austin Utilities.

All the donations Austin Utilities receive are given to the Austin Salvation Army to use for the local HeatShare program. A donation can be made on your utility bill or by calling the office to charge to a credit card. To reach a customer service representative, call 507-433-8886.