When you think February — you think cold weather. February is the coldest month of the year. Also, when you think February — you think THAW.

CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus visited WWJ’s Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW The Heat and Warmth Fund at Art Van Furniture in Warren on Friday, February 1.

The phones were ringing and volunteer operators took donations contributing to a total of more than $285,000.

“We are so thankful to WWJ, Semco, Consumers, DTE Energy for really coming alongside of us to make this a successful year,” said Susan Sherer, CEO of THAW.

Where does the money go?

“It goes straight to energy assistance,” said Sherer, referring to a customer assistance day being held next door with DTE Energy.

Art Van presented a $5000 check to THAW on Friday as well as hosted the radiothon event at their facility. “We continue to try to help out the communities in which we do business across the state of Michigan,” said Gary Van Elslander, President of Art Van Furniture.

With 20 degree temperatures and a wind chill factor bringing it down to zero, the weather served as an effective reminder of why donations are so important for this cause. “It hits me on this morning … you jump in the shower — you have hot water. And then you think, what if you didn’t have that hot water? And to me, that’s the telling point,” said Rob Davidek, Program and News Director for WWJ Newsradio 950.