It isn't something that everyone thinks about, but every year thousands of Omahans struggle to keep their lights, water and heat on.
Saturday the Heat the Streets 5K run will raise funds to assist the elderly, people with disabilities and low income families who struggle with paying their utilities.
Judi Martin with OPPD says the event aims to not just raise money. "We started the event to raise awareness in our community for the need for utility assistance."
The 10th annual run/walk will be held Saturday at 9 AM in Midtown Omaha. The race course starts at Midtown Crossing and winds through the Midtown and Field Club neighborhoods.
Martin says the event has been incredibly helpful in past years. "Last year we raised a little over 300 and some thousands dollars, and we helped roughly 2,500 households."
If you are not a runner, but would still like to donate, Martin says monetary donations can be made at the run Saturday morning. "If they wanted to come down to the site, and not walk or not run but just watch, they can also come in and bring it in and we've got donation receipts and we'll take it right then."
Martin says you can also donate online or by adding a donation to the local energy assistance fund on your MUD, OPPD or Black Hills Energy monthly bill.
Full details are available at the Heat the Streets website here.