NORTH ATTLEBORO - While residents may be trying to find ways to beat the heat right now, once summer is over they will be trying to find ways to pay for it.

With an economy that has left many families struggling, selectmen Chairman John Rhyno and his wife Sherry said they are planning to gear up for a fundraising push for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a program that helps provide fuel assistance to North Attleboro residents.

"It's only July and I'm already having nightmares about the winter because the people who can afford things the least are going to be in trouble," John Rhyno said.

Noting that North Attleboro residents have been generous since Neighbors Helping Neighbors started, Rhyno said a new fundraising drive for the program will kick off later this summer.

"We'd like to do something like Kid's Day does, and ask people to send a check for just $5 or $10- or whatever they can afford - to help our needy residents pay for fuel oil," Rhyno said. "There are a lot of people out there who are already worried about paying for food and medicine." All money raised for the program, which is administered by St. Vincent de Paul Society, stays within the town.

Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the program can send a check made out to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and mail it to 627 Mount Hope St., North Attleboro, MA 02760.