With fuel prices up at the start of the winter season, many of our friends and neighbors may need help keeping their homes warm.
According to Interim Pastor Kelli Whitman, the First Congregational Church’s Emergency Fuel Assistance Fund is available to any New Gloucester household. Residents may request fuel support, once per year per address, by calling Rev. Whitman in the church office at 926-3260. She also encourages people to apply to the LIHEAP program. (More information available at www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/liheap).
Rev. Whitman explained, “There isn’t a set amount of dollars or gallons of fuel we provide for each request. It depends on how much is in the fund, how many requests we receive, and the cost of fuel that day.”
The spaghetti dinner fundraiser recently hosted by the New Gloucester GOP raised over $13,000 for the Fuel Assistance Fund. Other fundraisers coming up include a holiday benefit concert featuring the Coastal Winds Community Band on December 13 at 6:30 in the First Congregational Church sanctuary, and Christmas Caroling on the church lawn on December 24 at 4:30. “We’re grateful for the support the Fuel Assistance Fund receives from the community. It allows us to provide assistance to everyone who needs it.” Rev. Whitman said.
Donors may contribute directly by sending a check to the First Congregational Church of New Gloucester with “Fuel Assistance” written on the memo line. Their mailing address is PO Box 114 New Gloucester, 04260.
~ Debra Smith
