Winter?

It's not even november, and it's been below freezing a number of times. I hope that doesn't say something about the winter, especially with electric rates going up as much as 55%.
This time of year I always start to get a lot of appeals from native charities. I would like to help, but while I know a lot of them are legitimate, I also know that a lot aren't. Unfortunately, I don't know anyway to find out which is which. It's a real shame that I have to worry about this. I,m going to ask around, because I know a lot people need help now, on and off the rez.