FARMINGTON — The Celtic musical group Coig played to a full house of 199 concertgoers on Dec. 6 at “Old South” First Congregational Church.

It was the second time Coig played a holiday concert in Farmington to benefit the Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund “50 for $50” fuel assistance program.

Last year’s concert was such a success, Coig decided to extend its Christmas concert tour this year through towns in both Canada and Maine, with each concert helping to benefit a local food pantry.

This high-energy group of young musicians from Cape Breton had an impact in Farmington this year, raising a total of $3,284 for the heating fund.

Rev. Susan Crane, ECU-Heat coordinator, explained the program to guests as the concert opened, informing them that $50 buys 50 gallons of oil for a neighbor in need, saving them money in economically difficult times. The balance of the fuel cost is then paid by the Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry, which runs the program. 

Each applicant lists the fuel vendor that normally supplies their fuel and attaches a $50 money order payable to the vendor. Completed applications are processed and recorded by WMCA, and forwarded to the vendor to arrange a delivery the next time the vendor’s trucks are in the neighborhood. Funds raised by the Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry are used to pay the balance due on these fuel deliveries.

Those interested in applying for the “50 for $50” program may pick up an application at WMCA in East Wilton. Each household is eligible for one 50-gallon delivery per heating season (Nov. 1 to March 31). Homes that heat primarily with pellets or firewood are also served with an equivalent amount of solid fuel.

In addition to an annual appeal letter, ECU-Heat raises most of the funds needed through the Holiday Concert and a Heat Dance held at UMF in February.