The Red Cross/RG&E Heating Fund offers help to families who have a one-time emergency and don't qualify for government assistance to pay their heating bills.

Qualified applicants can receive a grant of up to $400. The program is administered by the Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross and funded by customers and shareholders of Rochester Gas and Electric Corp.

Applicants do not have to be customers of RG&E to qualify for a grant. They must fall within certain income limits and have received a service shutoff notice from their heating provider. They cannot be eligible for assistance from HEAP - the federal Home Energy Assistance Program - or from their county Department of Social Services.

Grants are applied to a customer's heating bill. Payment is made directly to the energy provider.

The heating fund operates in Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Wyoming, Cayuga, Livingston, Genesee and Allegany Counties. It is operated by the Red Cross in all counties except Allegany, where it is run by ACCORD.

In Monroe County, persons who believe they may qualify can start the application process by calling the Greater Rochester Chapter of the Red Cross at 241-4474.

Since 1984, the fund has helped more than 10,500 families. Last year, it distributed more than $380,000 in grants.

The grants are funded by contributions from RG&E customers, which are matched by the company's shareholders.