Just a month ago, Champion Credit Union issued a challenge to the public to help them raise money for the Share the Warmth program, which helps to ensure people in the area stay warm every winter.

The credit union offered to contribute up to $10,000 in matching funds for donation to the Mountain Projects Community Action Agency, earmarked to provide heating assistance to residents in Haywood and Jackson counties, and before December was over, that amount had been met.

Noralynn Grindstaff, Champion Credit Union marketing and communications manager, said not only was the $10,000 goal met in that time period but the community gave more than $18,000 to the campaign. With the $10,000 contribution from Champion, Share the Warmth will receive $28,000 and counting.

“People were coming in making ...