PADUCAH, Ky. — Extremely high temperatures mean air conditioners are running round the clock. Now that those electric bills are coming in, some families on fixed incomes don't know where to turn.

Some told Local 6 their electric bills more than doubled this month and many families are forced to reach out for help.

They hope that help is out there because if it's not, then they may not be able to feed their families.

As 68-year-old Mary Thompson turns the pages of her favorite photo album, she wishes turning back time was just as easy.

"I could used to walk up and hug them, give them a great big kiss and a hug, and they just kiss me back now. They would be hollering, 'Aw, Granny,' like they're embarrassed if someone see me kiss them," Mary Thompson said.

Thompson raised her three grandkids since birth.

"It's been rough during some of these years and I've had to go and ask for help, and that's what I did," Thompson told Local 6.

This month's electric bill was one of the highest she's seen. So, she came to the Salvation Army and asked for help.

"My pride don't stand in the way of my kids, because they come first. They didn't ask to be here and I'm basically all they have," Thompson said.

Folks at the Salvation Army said Thompson is not alone. In fact, they've had many people come in with expensive electric bills and they anticipate next month will be even worse.

The Salvation Army paid half of Thompson's bill. She managed to come up with the rest.

Now, the electricity and the power stay on and Thompson thanks God she got much needed help.

You can try to reach out to places like the Salvation Army and Paducah Cooperative Ministry. Many local charities have emergency energy assistance programs. Like in Thompson's case, they may not be able to pay the whole bill but perhaps some of it.

In addition to energy bill assistance, the Salvation Army said they've also had a very high demand for "Beat the Heat" fans this year.