Some people earn just enough not to qualify for General Assistance through their town, and although they spend frugally, they are still faced with making a choice between food and heat each winter.

Woolwich officials have said they want to help.

Selectmen approved the beginning of a Woolwich Discretionary Heating Assistance Fund at their December 3 meeting and are just figuring out who to ask for donations.

Many towns in Maine have such a fund, according to Administrator Lynette Eastman, who conducted some research for selectmen prior to their establishing the fund. She said one town has a surplus of funds, which enables them to help those in need without having to dip into the General Assistance fund.

Applicants must sign up for General Assistance first. If applicants do not qualify, but are close to the limit, they may qualify for the discretionary heating fund. Qualified applicants may receive a once per year contribution of either: 100 gallons of K-1 heating oil; a cord of seasoned firewood; 50 gallons of liquid petroleum; one ton of fuel pellets or coal; or $200 toward an electric bill, if a home relies on electric heat.

Selectman David King, who has seen how some families struggle in these tough economic times, approached fellow board members to see what the town could do. According to Eastman, he has wanted to help for quite some time now. 

“Many towns have it,” Selectman Jason Shaw said. “We've looked into it, and it just seems like a good thing.” He said they want to be good stewards of the donated funds, so they want to help those who are definitely in need.

Donations are tax-deductible. Checks can be made out to the Woolwich Heating Assistance Fund and sent to 13 Nequasset Road, Woolwich, ME 04579.