Denzel gives money to NC residents for heat

Hollywood star Denzel Washington is a hero in Rocky Mount, N.C., where he donated $25,000 to help families pay their winter heating bills. The largest single donation in the history of the 19-year-old Winter Assistance for Rocky Mount, or WARM, was announced during its annual fundraiser at North Carolina Wesleyan College Sunday, the Rocky Mount Telegram reported Monday. Washington is a close friend of Rocky Mount native Herman Boone, the newspaper said. The actor portrayed Boone in the 2000 film, Remember the Titans, based on his coaching experience at a Virginia high school in 1971. Boone has been involved with WARM for about three years. Washington's rep told the newspaper the actor was thrilled to be able to help his friend. (Washington) doesn't want to make a big deal about it, she said. It's something he just wanted to do from his heart. (UPI)