A local program is making sure no one has to endure winter in the dark and cold. WATCH FULL STORY BELOWLocal program helps residents avoid utility shutoffs during winter cold snapFor Kim Boyd, winter brought a breaking point; a more than $800 AES bill with just a few days to pay. Boyd turned to the United Way of Central Indiana’s Winter Assistance Fund, a program designed for people who earn too much to qualify for government energy assistance programs but still can't afford rising utility costs. United Way of Central Indiana says the Winter Assistance Fund serves people in Marion County who earn up to 225% of the Federal Poverty Level. Last year, the Winter Assistance Fund helped 212 households pay more than $127,000 in utility bills.