FARMINGTON – As the weather continues to grow colder and colder, families of Franklin County have the opportunity to receive a little help in heating their homes for the upcoming winter.
The Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund (ECU Heat) is throwing a series of fundraisers and events to support prompt, reliable and substantial fuel assistance to households in need. Eligible families receiving ECU Heat aid are provided with one 50-gallon oil delivery for the season, a demand which, according to program coordinator Rev. Susan Crane of Henderson Memorial Baptist Church has increased dramatically over the past six years.
“When we first began, we started with a budget of about $5,000. Now we raise closer to $35,000,” Crane said. “The need is definitely out there. This year alone, we supplied over 105 families within the first week of accepting requests.”
The project began in 2005 through the cooperation of several churches around Franklin County and Western Maine Community Action. Allocations from the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area helped fund the project, however donations and contributions from the community also play a huge role in maintaining it through its five-month run.
“It really is a collaborative effort of folks in the whole community to make this happen,” Crane said. “I have found in my travels around the state there is nothing else quite like it.”
The ECU Heat fund offers assistance from Nov. 1 to March 31, providing assistance to families weeks before HEAP funds and federal aid money arrives in the state. Considering the recent inflation of oil prices and cold northern winters, Crane stated that help can never come too soon.
“We’re talking to people who have gone since May without heat or hot water. It’s a difficult situation for some of them. If someone calls for a standard oil delivery, they have to pay up front for 100-gallons – no less. We’re aiming to help people who are on unemployment, disability, part-time employment or simply just don’t have enough money to support these sorts of payments,” she said.
To help keep the project going, the Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry and the Western Maine Community Action are organizing a HEAT Dance to be held at the University of Maine at Farmington’s North Dining Hall on Feb. 1.
“The goal is to raise $5,000,” Crane said and added,“The dance itself is going to be themed around the Academy Awards where guests can show up dressed as their favorite actors or actresses. It’s a place where people of all ages are able to dance and have a good time and help raise money.”
Donations from this event will go directly into the ECU Heat’s budget, which has already depleted $15,000 of its initial $20,000 amount.
Other upcoming fundraisers for ECU Heat program include the annual Christmas Carol Sing on Dec. 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Old South Congregational Church. In addition to refreshments and a festive atmosphere, Crane stated that two musical groups from the Mt. Blue High School will be performing throughout the night. Raffle tickets for a thematically appropriate handmade quilt from the St. Joseph’s church will be available as well with the winner to be announced on Dec. 15.
The Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry consists of eight churches around Franklin County which, in addition to ECU Heat, oversee the Care and Share food closet, the Housing Assistance Fund, and operate the Warming Center in Farmington.
Donations are received year round and can be sent to ECU HEAT, P.O. Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938. Checks payable to ECU Heat are acknowledged as tax-deductible donations.
Can you imagine how it must feel to know you’re going to be cold in your home?
Lets all do what we can to help.
Thanks to these organisations.