The hallways of St. Matthew School in Cranston flash with red plaid skirts and navy blue cardigan sweaters after the fall weather turns cold.

But on a recent school day, students who made a charitable donation were allowed to dress down as a reward for helping Bishop Thomas J. Tobin with what has turned into a yearly initiative.

The “Keep the Heat On” campaign is an effort to provide heating assistance for struggling individuals and families who have exhausted all other public and private aid.

“I know we can’t solve every problem but we can help a lot of people, a lot of families, get through this difficult time,” Bishop Tobin said yesterday after he launched the diocese’s third annual campaign to help needy people find heat.

This year’s campaign comes during a season of rocketing energy costs.

Even Rhode Islanders who can afford to pay their heating bills aren’t likely to feel so lucky.

“Obviously, this is a very difficult time for a lot of the citizens of Rhode Island,” Providence Bishop Tobin said.

“This is a small but sincere attempt to try to make a difference for people,” he said.

“It probably is more necessary this year than in the past,” he said.

He urged people to help if they can and to feel grateful if they have the means to pay their own energy bills.

The heating-assistance initiative has raised $234,076 and provided aid to 1,428 households in Rhode Island since its establishment two years ago.

Of that, $165,465 has been provided for oil assistance; $144,534 for gas; and $80,747 for electric, according to the diocese.

The Catholic Charity Fund has matched $150,000 of the contributions to Keep the Heat On.

In previous winters, the diocese has launched the campaign in the presence of beneficiaries.

This year, the bishop opted to put the spotlight on a few of the givers.

The children at St. Matthew School gave him a check for $663 yesterday afternoon.

For heating assistance from the diocese, applicants may call (401) 421-7833. They can also access additional information about the program at www.heatri.com

Applicants for Keep the Heat On funds must demonstrate their ineligibility for other federal, state and private assistance. All inquiries are confidential.

Those who would like to make a donation can send a check, noting the cause and made payable to the Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund. Mail it to 184 Broad St., Providence, RI 02903.

mreynold@projo.com