FARMINGTON — The ECU Heat Share program is off to a very fast start since the 2014-15 heating season opened officially on Nov. 1.

ECU Heat Share provides plan-ahead fuel assistance for residents of Franklin County whose limited resources make it difficult to pay for a minimum fuel delivery on their own. 

The program, also known as 50 for 50, asks each applicant to attach a $50 money order to the application to request a 50-gallon delivery of fuel. Applications are available at Western Maine Community Action in East Wilton, as well as local churches and town halls. 

According to Judy Frost, who administers the program at WMCA, “144 households were served from Nov. 1 through 10. This is an amazing number of homes now being heated, very early in the heating season.” 

Fortunately, the ECU Heat Fund had enough money in advance to cover the expected cost of $17,028. Lower fuel prices at present are helping spread the charitable dollars farther. 

However, to keep up with the need as the season grows colder, more donations will be needed. Even with applicants contributing $50 toward their fuel deliveries, the balance on a 50-gallon delivery averages $100 to $130.  

ECU Heat Share applications are processed by WMCA to make sure no household receives more than one “share” delivery per heating season (Nov. 1 to March 31). Once cleared, orders are sent immediately to the fuel vendor indicated on the application, who will then schedule a 50-gallon delivery. 

The Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund pays the balance due for that delivery. Oil, kerosene, propane, pellets or wood may be supplied, provided that is the primary fuel used in that household. All Franklin County communities are served except for Jay, which is served by the Good Neighbor Fund.  

The Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund is a ministry of Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry.

Funding for the program is supplied by churches, United Way, individual donors, area businesses and service clubs. 

Special fundraisers take place during the winter months, including a carol sing in December at Old South Congregational Church and the annual Heat Dance at UMF, already scheduled for Feb. 6.    

Donations to the heating fund are most welcome and may be sent to ECU Heat, P.O. Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938. All donations are tax deductible and are promptly acknowledged.