RUMFORD – The Rumford Area Rotary Club was awarded a district simplified grant in the amount of $2,064 to help keep residents of the River Valley area warm this winter. The Rumford club was one of 15 in District 7780 to receive funding for humanitarian projects that benefit the community.

The local Rotary is sponsoring a weatherization project, “Operation Heat Saver,” on Saturday, Oct. 18. Volunteer weatherization teams will spread out across the Rumford area communities in a one-day blitz to perform energy-saving measures on the homes of elderly neighbors.

The goal is to provide 60 homes with simple weatherization measures such as caulking, weather-stripping, window plastic, door sweeps and other draft reducing techniques. The project aims to “keep the weather outside” for the targeted homes, reduce their home energy consumption, save them money on their winter heating bills and provide educational materials on how to lower their home energy costs, along with other resources.

The project’s success will depend on the number of volunteer teams that sign up to participate. Each team will consist of six volunteers who will weatherize the homes that day.

So far the club has recruited seven teams: Rotary Club, Interact Club, Dead River, White’s Yard Works, Hamner and Nails, American Legion, Rumford Hospital and a number of individuals.

Cash donations are being accepted to provide supplies and materials needed. Along with the Rotary grant, the club has been given $1,000 from the Dead River Co., $1,500 from Rumford Hospital, $500 from Hannaford Corp., $100 from Dr. Cohen as well as $500 from an anonymous donor.

The club is also selling raffle tickets for 100 gallons of fuel as first prize, second prize is 25 gallons of fuel and third prize of a $50 food basket. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. The drawing will be held on Dec. 15

Hope Association has offered its facilities to coordinate teams on Oct. 18.

Donations are still being accepted and checks should be made payable to Rumford Area Rotary Club and can be mailed to Paul Jones, treasurer, Rumford Area Rotary Club, PO Box 451, Dixfield, ME 04224. Write “Operation Heat Saver” on the checks.

For more information, call Gary Haines at 357-9687 or Patty Duguay at 364-7408.