Matt and Shannon Heaton (Facebook Photo)

FARMINGTON — A holiday concert will raise money and contribute to a $5,000 match the ECU HEAT assistance program.

The concert, featuring Celtic artists Matt and Shannon Heaton and a recitation by Andrew Harris of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Old South First Congregational Church on Main Street.

A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry’s heating fund, also known as the ECU HEAT Share “50 for $50” program.

Sandy River Charitable Trust, which has previously matched funds earned by an annual Heat Dance in February, will match all funds raised at the concert. For those unable to attend, all donations received until Dec. 15 will be counted toward the match.

Because the dance is no longer happening, the ministry hopes to raise community support at the holiday concert, Pastor Susan Crane, ECU HEAT coordinator, said.

Donations will be accepted at the concert. Tickets are $20 with student rates available. Reservations are required because the concert is usually sold out. Call 491-5919 to reserve seating. Donations to ECU HEAT may be mailed by Dec. 15 to ECU HEAT, P.O. Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938.

Western Maine Community Action is accepting ECU HEAT Share applications for a 50-gallon delivery of fuel to low income households. 

The program is funded by applicants paying $50 toward the cost and by the Franklin County Ecumenical heating fund, a ministry of FAEM.

A total of 130 applications were processed and sent to vendors for delivery by the end of November. By the end of March, the number of applicants is likely to reach closer to 300, she said.

The program provides No. 2 heating oil, kerosene, propane, wood and pellets. Most recipients use liquid fuel. According to the Governor’s Energy Office , the price is 20 percent higher for fuel than a year ago, which means raising 20 percent more to cover the need, she said.

ECU HEAT serves every community in Franklin County, except Jay, which is served by the Good Neighbor Fund. Applications are available at WMCA, churches and town halls.