All the worry before the holidays at Greeneville-Greene County Community Ministries about the Coal Fund's prospects for 2011 proved unfounded.

Greene County residents came through with flying colors in their support of the annual Coal Fund campaign.

This year's total at the end of the campaign -- $132,769.70 as of Dec. 31 -- far eclipses last year's final donation tally of $98,496.06.

Contributions to the Coal Fund are welcome at any time during the year, but the formal campaign begins Thanksgiving Day and concludes at the end of Dec. 31 each year.

Carmen Ricker, community ministries executive director, couldn't be prouder.

"I just want to thank the community for their support," Ricker said Tuesday.

"It has far exceeded anything that we dreamed. It's never brought in this much money before.

"We were so concerned because of the economy, and there was so much demand because of the economy," Ricker said.

Sponsored by The Greeneville Sun and administered without charge by Greeneville-Greene County Community Ministries, the Coal Fund seeks donations each year from individuals, churches, employee groups, organizations, and businesses to help fellow Greene Countians who would otherwise be unable to heat their homes during the winter months.

"We're seeing more people [this year] then we've ever seen before, with people who normally would not depend on community support, but they've exhausted their benefits," Ricker said.

Donations to date will go a long way toward providing assistance to those who need it most.

"Thank you, Greene County, for your caring hearts," Ricker said.

Due to the high demand this year, the Coal Fund can only assist families once per season.

"However, we have ways to assist more in a dire need or crucial situation," Ricker said.

One key component of the Community Ministries heating program is the volunteer Wood Ministry, which benefits qualifying individuals and families that heat their homes with wood.

"They [the Wood Ministry volunteers] have delivered 380 loads already this season. Many of those were delivered to our clients," Ricker said.

Ricker acknowledged that there are still many unanswered needs in Greene County.

"We would like to say there is no one cold or hungry in Greeneville and Greene County. That is simply not the case," Ricker said.

"As we see families who desperately need more food or heating, we are sad. We are extremely sad when those homes house children or the elderly."

"If you have followed our program in the newspaper, it is truly a blessing that we have exceeded any previous year in [Coal Fund] donations. The need for assistance due to the economy has grown; therefore the need is greater," Ricker said.

One thing is clear to Ricker as this year's Coal Fund drive concludes.

"It is evident to me that God is using His people to help His people. It has been a blessing to see the outpouring of people's generosity," Ricker said.

"Again, we say thank you to our caring community and The Greeneville Sun."

Those who have made donations to the Coal Fund Campaign since the last update include:

* Anonymous, $2,500;

* In honor of my parents, Warren and Alice Gaby, by Donna and Gary Rose, $1,000;

* Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. Montgomery, $500;

* First Baptist Church of Baileyton, $100;

* In honor of Dr. Chris Bullington by Dr. Lawrence H. and Donna Reid, $500;

* Jean W. Barnes, $100;

* Women's Group of Solomon Lutheran Church, $50;

* Dorothy Solomon, $25;

* Anonymous, $100;

* Dr. and Mrs. James F. Easterly, Jr., $100; and

* Christopher Lewis, $100.

Donations received since Dec. 30, 2011, total $5,075.

The heating-assistance program made possible by contributions to the Coal Fund Campaign starts in November and continues through April 30, Ricker said.

"We have a lot of cold weather yet to contend with this year," she said.

Anyone who wants to contribute to the Coal Fund can do so at any time during the year by taking checks (payable to The Coal Fund) or cash directly to the Community Ministries office at 107 N. Cutler St., between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays.

Contributions also can be mailed to:

The Coal Fund

P.O. Box 545

Greeneville, TN 37744