Casual For A Cause is the program. What’s it about? Each year, employees are asked to write down the names of nonprofits they feel should receive a donation through the program. These suggestions are reviewed, in this case, by First National human resources personnel who select which nonprofits will be recipients. 

The donations come from the employees and personnel at the First National Bank’s 16 Maine branches; employees pay $1 each week to wear casual clothes to work on Fridays. The “casual cash” collected every month is donated to the selected nonprofit. In December 2016, that nonprofit was the Boothbay region’s Woodchucks.

Shelley Smith, the Casual For A Cause representative at the Boothbay Harbor branch of the bank, says there are 14-16 donations made each year depending on the amount collected each month.

On the chilly morning of Jan. 5, First National employees Brenda Blackman, Chris Stevens and Shelley Smith (also a member of The Woodchucks) presented a check for $794.21 to Woodchucks membersBill Smith, Barclay Shepard, Maurice Landmare, Denny Wilson, Harry Dudley,  John King, Bill Cull and Ben Borkowski. Members Henry Rowe, Shawn Lewin, Ham Meserve, Doug Fowle, Seth Barker, Steven Cook and Greg Holdon were not present.

Bill Smith, who’s been with the group pretty much from the beginning, said the donation will be used for parts and equipment.

The all-volunteer Woodchucks formed in 2008. In 2011, they were the recipients of the Spirit of America Award, presented by the Boothbay Board of Selectmen. The Woodchucks were recognized for their efforts to help local families in need who use wood to heat their homes. This crew of seniors cuts donated wood, mostly in the spring and summer, and delivers it September through March. Since September 2016, the Woodchucks have delivered 34 cord.

“Last year we delivered 38 cord and the season before that, 40,” Smith said. “We probably have about 25 cord left for this winter season — and stockpiles of wood seasoning for the future. Just yesterday someone on Gilead Street called to donate a tree that had come down. We’ll probably go pick it up by the weekend.”

Smith said the Woodchucks are always looking for more volunteers — and rugged ones at that. Over the past four to five years, the Woodchucks have had help from sources like the U.S. Coast Guard Station in West Harbor and from Boothbay Region High School.

“We’ve had people come for awhile and people who’ve stayed, like me,” said Smith. Point being — just because you call to volunteer, doesn’t mean you’re signing on for a lifetime gig ... unless you want to, of course. Call Smith at 350-2569 to discuss your options!

Need wood? Call Susan Wilson, president of Boothbay Region Community Resources Council, at 633-6320.