For nearly 20 years, the Health Coalition of Southwest Colorado (formerly the Women's Health Coalition) has reached out to help people with cancer.

The coalition is hosting "Take a Bite Out of Cancer" with burger night at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Palace Restaurant in downton Durango.

Proceeds will support the coalition's grants and gas cards given to local cancer patients.

"We began with a fight against breast cancer, then expanded to all cancers," the coalition staff states on its website. "As our efforts grew, we gained increasing financial support from the community. Since 2006, our volunteer organization has raised and given away over $100,000 in gas cards and treatment grants."

The Health Coalition Fund provides up to $500 for rent, household expenses, groceries, and other necessities to people with cancer. Grants are available to individuals who meet the following criteria:

. Currently undergoing treatment or have completed treatment in the last three months

. Live in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, or San Juan County

. Receive treatment at Southwest Oncology or the Durango Cancer Center

. Meet current income guidelines.

More information and applications are online at www.healthcoalitionswc.org.