Heating expenses come to mind when winter approaches upstate New York, a territory that doesn’t mess around when it comes to snow and cold. Our winters are long.

Modern inventions provide for comfort levels beyond what history has known for thousands of years, but paying for those conveniences can get costly.

Yesterday I met a gentleman who set up an account to help people with fuel costs. His generosity is humbling and done in a humble way. He doesn’t make a big deal about it. He and some friends simply set up an account and asked a non-for-profit organization to be the umbrella for the account.

Eligible recipients receive a boost, or leg up on a short money month.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to be generous because others will take advantage of you, but when done simply and wisely, this man shows that we can help those who help themselves.

After the applicant meets the criteria, the man will call and order fuel to be delivered. There is no huge corporation involved, but kind people.