To the Editor:

As fall turns to winter in Maine, we all face the reality of keeping ourselves warm for the next several months. For many of us, this is not something that worries us, but for some of our Woolwich neighbors, well, they face a choice: pay for oil or buy groceries, buy a gallon of kerosene, or refill a prescription.

More likely, they will simply turn down the thermostat, skip filling the wood box, or, in more dire cases, turn on the gas stove to heat at least one room of the house. In pursuit of warmth, many people overlook the safety precautions, which can result in potentially tragic home fires. Add to this image the reality of Maine houses, which are among the nation’s oldest and least insulated.

Woolwich administers a General Assistance program that helps eligible residents with unmet needs in housing, utilities, food, heating and medications. The town’s churches and fire department auxiliary also provide material support for our residents.

The Woolwich selectboard, however, feels there are others in town whose financial resources may exceed the eligibility for GA but nevertheless need help keeping their family warm enough.

While there is federal financial assistance specifically designated for heating assistance, the Low Income Heating Assistance Program, you may be aware that this agency has faced cuts two years in a row, with no real indication of increased funding anytime soon.

In the spirit of helping those who are in need during the winter months, the Woolwich selectboard recently voted to create a local plan for discretionary supplemental heating assistance which would be entirely funded by private, fully tax-deductible donations. We have developed guidelines based on the experience of several surrounding towns that provide similar programs.

We seek your help and your generosity in developing this fund, to be administered by the town administrator and the Woolwich selectboard.

Please consider a donation to keep your neighbors warm. Checks may be made payable to Town Of Woolwich Heating Assistance Fund.

We welcome your comments, questions, and your help.

Woolwich selectmen
Woolwich