FARMINGTON — The Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund has launched a community challenge to raise $7,500 by November.

With dropping temperatures just around the corner, the fund records show that 75 percent of the need for local fuel assistance is requested before winter begins, the Rev. Susan Crane, coordinator for the fund, said.

Last year, 150 families needed help with fuel during September, October and November. ECU HEAT, as the program is called, was able to supply 100 gallons of heating fuel to all 150 families, at a total cost of $45,000.

Outside funding from several foundations made it possible to supply that need. However, most of the grants were not renewable, leaving the fund with only $10,000 for the fall.

Once federal heating funds arrive in Maine, through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the ongoing needs can be mostly met. Before Dec. 1, lower income residents need help from their neighbors, she said.

Recently, the Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund received a grant of $7,500 from the Sandy River Charitable Foundation. This brings the amount on hand to $17,500.

Crane hopes that Franklin County communities will match the $7,500, enabling the fund to assist up to 150 families with 50-gallon deliveries, she said.

This fall, only 50-gallon deliveries will be authorized in order to stretch the money. Since most fuel dealers will only deliver 100 gallons, families in need will still be required to pay for 50 gallons on their own, while ECU HEAT covers the cost of the rest. Another change is that no fuel assistance will be given until October.

“If a foundation cares enough about the people of Franklin County, I’m hoping everyone else will, too,” Crane said.

The $7,500 match would bring the account up to $25,000, enough to provide 50 gallons for 150 customers at an average of $3 per gallon. While No. 2 heating oil is less than $3 per gallon, the majority of those requesting help need K-1, which is closer to $3 a gallon, she said.

The fund provided fuel assistance last year to families in 19 towns in Franklin County. The fund is operated by Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry for the benefit of families throughout the county.

Donations are tax-deductible and may be mailed to: ECU HEAT at P.O. Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938. All donations made by check will be acknowledged.

Calls to request fuel assistance are received by Western Maine Community Action at 645-3764, ext. 5523. Residents are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP aid as soon as possible in order to expedite the ability to receive fuel assistance prior to December. Appointments may be made by calling WMCA, and applications are being taken at locations throughout the county.