HARPSWELL
As temperatures along the coast dropped below zero last week, the town of Harpswell received a very timely gift — $10,508.80 from Cook’s Lobster and Ale House to the town’s Harpswell Home Heating Assistance program.
The donation is made possible through an annual dinner put on by Cook’s, with proceeds from an auction and a percentage of sales being donated to the heating assistance program. This year, the event was on December 15.
“Well it started I believe nine years ago. It’s where we get donations from local businesses, like, they donate gift certificates or items — a random bunch of stuff,” said Manager Mary Helen Coombs. “Then we donate 20 percent of our food sales that night and 100 percent of the auction items go towards the funds.”
The heating assistance program is for those who do not qualify for general assistance from the town but need fuel assistance to heat their home. According to the town website, the program can be used from September 15 through April 15. According to 211, eligible applicants can receive up to 200 gallons of fuel per season, distributed 100 gallons at a time.
Coombs said she didn’t recall why they chose this particular charity the first year, but she had a strong personal motivation to continue with it the following years.
“When I took over the second year, I did it because my parents had to use it at one time,” she said, “and I feel like it’s important because there’s always a need, especially in a small community like we live in.”
Coombs added that she hopes the fundraiser helps more people hear about the program.
“When we put on the dinner, it’s not just raising money. It’s raising awareness,” explained Coombs. “The more it gets out there, the more people realize the fund is there when they need it.”
Coombs said that they will start planning for the 2018 HHHA Benefit Dinner & Auction in the next couple of months.
“Receiving this heating assistance money, as helpful as it is, it needs to be used,” said Selectman Rick Daniel after accepting the funds at Thursday’s selectmen’s meeting. “If anybody out there knows of anyone who may be cold or hungry, please direct them towards the town and we can help them out from there. No one needs to be cold.”
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