RUMFORD – The Rumford Area Rotary Club is still accepting applications for its weatherization project, “Operation Heat Saver,” scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18.

“This is a great opportunity to provide community service to those needing a little extra help in keeping warm this winter,” said Joseph Roberts, Rotary president.

The Rotary volunteer weatherization teams will spread out across the Rumford area in a one-day blitz to perform energy saving measures on the homes of their elderly neighbors.

Goal of 60 homes

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.

Those 65 or older who own their own home should contact Gary Haines at 357-9687 or Patty Duguay at 364-7408 to obtain an application. Applications must be received before Monday, Oct. 6.

Community groups are invited to participate and to recruit one or more six-person teams to help the project. Organizations can sign up by calling Haines.

The club will also need to borrow tools for the project, including step ladders, screwdrivers, caulking guns, razor knives, blow dryers and hammers.

Cash donations are 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 all checks.

Donations of weatherization supplies and materials are also needed. For more information, call Haines or Duguay.