Operation Fuel’s statewide winter energy assistance program will start Thursday, when the nonprofit’s 107 fuel banks begin taking applications.

Families and individuals who are struggling financially and need energy assistance should call 211 to find their closest fuel bank, Operation Fuel said Wednesday in a news release.

“This holiday season, we are asking Connecticut residents to consider making a small donation to help ensure that vulnerable households are able to heat their homes and keep their lights and electricity on,” said Karen Adamson, executive director of Operation Fuel. “Many of the people we help are children and the elderly.”

This past fiscal year, Operation Fuel provided over $3.18 million in energy assistance to more than 7,705 households, the organization said.

For information about Operation Fuel or to make a donation, visit www.operationfuel.org. Donations also can be sent to Operation Fuel, 75 Charter Oak Ave., Suite 2-240, Hartford, CT 06106.

Operation Fuel is a private, nonprofit program that provides emergency energy assistance year-round through its fuel banks to lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly and disabled individuals who are in financial crisis.