Two requests for assistance to pay gas and electric bills were received at Lex-Care last week.

Shannon Gordon, a social worker at the Senior Citizens Center, is counseling a single retired man who needs $208.62 to restore his disconnected gas service.

The man retired from the state highway department after 35 years of service. Following his retirement he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was notified that he had to move. Both the surgery for the cancer and the move were accomplished successfully. However, the extra expenses incurred during that time depleted his savings and he fell behind on his gas bill and the service was disconnected. Once the past-due bill is paid he will be able to manage on his income from Social Security and his retirement benefits.

Anne Vandervort, a case manager at Volunteers of America, submitted the second request on behalf of a family of five.

They need $140.51 to pay their electric bill. The husband worked full time until last month when he lost his job. His wife stays home to take of their three children.

He has applied for unemployment insurance but has yet to receive his first check. The family has qualified for subsidized housing and applied for an adjustment to their rent because of the change in income. They already receive food stamps, and he has already filed for his income tax refund to help cover living expenses.

Once the electric bill is paid and further adjustments are made to their budget, the family will be able to manage until the husband finds employment.

You can help: Lex-Care Inc., P.O. Box 1328, Lexington, Ky., 40588. Contact Lex-Care at (859) 699-9859 or Lexcare.org.