Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – United Way of Aroostook’s Keep the County Warm Fund is $2,000 closer to reaching its goal of $30,000, thanks to three recent donations.
“Fund-raising efforts are really going well,” said Claudia Stevens, executive director, UWA.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
DONATIONS BENEFIT Keep the County Warm Fund – The United Way of Aroostook recently received three contributions toward its Keep the County Warm Fund, totaling $2,000. MMG contributed $500; Maine Chapter Society of CPCU contributed $500; and One Beacon added another $1,000 toward the fund, which will be used to aid individuals in need of heating assistance this winter. Pictured are, front row, from left: Calvin Deschene, manager of United Insurance Group (Hayden Perry office); Philip Archambault, business development manager for OneBeacon; Linda Beever, president-elect for Maine CPCU; Claudia Stevens, executive director of the United Way of Aroostook; and Steve Gallant, vice president of marketing for MMG Insurance. Back row: Mike Rand, MMG; Roseann McConnell, OneBeacon; Sue McKenney, MMG; Bruce Pelletier, MMG; P.J. Kinney, MMG; Dianne Collins, MMG; Marcia Hartt, United Insurance Group (Hayden Perry office) and United Way of Aroostook board member; Sherri Wilcox, MMG; Roland Cyr, MMG; and Andy Grass, MMG.
Efforts to raise funds for those struggling to keep fuel in their tanks to heat their homes this winter have been under way for some time now and the fund is increasing steadily.
“Our major fund-raising effort was participating in the Presque Isle Rotary Auction. Through that, we raised a big percentage of the money. To date, we’ve raised over $38,000,” she said.
With fuel prices what they are, Stevens said that means enough money to pay for thousands of gallons of oil.
“That brings us to about 20,000 gallons we’ve been able to purchase with the funds so far. Our goal is 30,000 gallons,” said Stevens.
But to reach that goal, she said more donations are needed.
“To reach that amount, we need more money,” said Stevens, noting the organization is hopeful and that grant applications have been submitted.
“We’re just waiting to hear back on some grants,” she said. “We’re hopeful. We’re doing fairly well so far.”
Stevens said a committee meeting is scheduled next week “to try to figure out how to raise the rest of the funds we need.”
As if last winter’s record fuel prices weren’t enough, Stevens said this winter’s bleak economic picture has dealt another blow to people struggling to make ends meet while attempting to stay warm this season.
“The need is tremendous. Helping Hands is one local organization that’s been distributing a lot of the funds for us,” said Stevens. “With what’s happening in Ashland, there’s an added need (for heating assistance) there.”
Last week, the fund grew by three donations, totaling $2,000.
“Maine Mutual Group, or MMG, donated $500; Maine Chapter Society of CPCU contributed $500; and One Beacon contributed $1,000. Those three organizations together contributed $2,000,” said Stevens.
Stevens said the funds are not directly distributed through United Way of Aroostook.
“We work with agencies throughout Aroostook to distribute the funds to those in need,” said Stevens. “We’re just very pleased to be a part of this. The money’s so desperately needed.”
For more information on the program and participating agencies, contact the UWA at 764-5197.
