KINGFIELD – The Kingfield United Methodist Church has committed to join two local agencies in their effort to provide aid to families in need of heating assistance. The programs are the United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem and the Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund in Farmington.

Both agencies coordinate their assistance programs with Western Maine Community Action Program, Franklin County administrator of the Low Income Energy Assistance Program.

The Economic Ministry and FCEHA have recognized the need for fuel assistance in the coming winter will, in all likelihood, exceed the need of past winters. The price of fuel oil will is expected to have a significant impact on people who quality for LIHEAP, and it is anticipated that there will be a large number of applicants who do not meet LIHEAP income levels and, as a result, do not qualify for assistance but lack funds to satisfy their heating needs.

In making its commitment to raise funds for the project, KUMC emphasized its mission is to serve the needs of residents in Franklin County with emphasis on the northern tier of the county. A number of fund raising events will be sponsored by the church to generate funds for contribution to both local agencies. The first event is a dinner at the church on Sept. 20.

Donations may be sent to the church at KUMC Heating Fund, P.O. Box 81, Kingfield, Maine 04947.