FARMINGTON — Emergency fuel deliveries of 50 gallons were delivered to 78 homes during the first week of the heating season beginning Nov. 1. The Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund (ECU HEAT) began accepting requests on that date.

The deliveries already have consumed about $15,000 of donated funds, leaving ECU HEAT in danger of running out of money before Christmas, coordinator the Rev. Susan Crane wrote in a press statement.

In previous years, ECU HEAT estimated a need for $10,000 per month for the first two months of the heating season, the period between Nov. 1 and March 31.

Once federal funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) comes in, there are traditionally fewer emergency requests, she said.

Maine is expected to receive $34.9 million in federal heating assistance, an amount representing 90 percent of the total received by the state last year, U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe announced last week.

Homeowners facing an emergency shortfall of fuel can receive one 50-gallon delivery per heating season, provided by ECU HEAT.

“The need and the price of fuel this year are both higher than a year ago,” Crane said. “ECU HEAT began the heating season with $20,000, thanks to an allocation from United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, as well as the proceeds from the Heat Dance held at UMF last February.”

The dance, sponsored by Western Maine Community Action and many other community sponsors, raised $5,000, which was matched by Sandy River Charitable Foundation.

A committee is already planning HEAT DANCE II to take place at UMF’s North Dining Hall on February 1, 2013.

Another fundraising event, the annual Christmas Carol Sing to benefit ECU HEAT, is planned this year for the afternoon of December 2. This promises to be a wonderful opportunity for getting into the Christmas spirit, singing all your favorite carols and giving a donation to the ECU HEAT fund.

Crane expressed gratitude for “the generosity of many faithful donors, who have already contributed tax-deductible gifts to help keep our neighbors warm.”

For emergency fuel assistance, residents of Franklin County may call Western Maine Community Action at 1-800-645-9396 and press “o.” The receptionist or  volunteer will record the necessary information for a staff member to authorize an emergency fuel delivery within 48 business hours.

Donations for the Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund are gratefully received year round at:

ECU HEAT, P.O. Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938. Checks payable to ECU HEAT are acknowledged as tax-deductible donations.

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