When we started the HeatSmart Campaign, we thought many states would be good places to start. However, we'll be the first to admit that California wasn't one of them. When we think of California, we think of warm, sunny weather, not of cold winters. But much of the state goes through chilly--if not bitter--winter months, and many need assistance to make end meet just as they do elsewhere.

So we were excited when Califonia came to us late in 2005 to discuss the possibility of including our blankets in a heating efficiency kit they were distributing to tens of thousands of residents across the state. We think our tools make perfect sense as part of this larger package.

Not only was California our largest partner to date, it created a model that we hope will be applicable in other communities nationwide.