We’ve enjoyed superb fall weather, and while we’re all hoping there are at least a few more warm days ahead, we’re all painfully aware that the calendar says it’s December already, time to accept the fact that the temperature will probably drop, and some of that fluffy white stuff will cover the ground.  The onset of winter also means harder times for many area families with the added expense of home heating oil, propane, coal or wood to heat their homes. Winter clothing doesn’t come cheap, either – not like a T-shirt, shorts and sandals.

Many residents on the Boothbay peninsula who live in Edgecomb, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport are more dependent on the services of the Boothbay Region Community Resources Council during the winter months, even though the organization is hard at work year-round, meeting the needs of those who need a little help. These dedicated volunteers, who represent area churches, schools, town officials, police and other community associations such as the food pantry, Rebuilding Together, Meals on Wheels, FISH and Community Lunch groups, make every effort to serve anyone and everyone. Families needing help meeting their household expenses, finding affordable housing, looking for a job, or dealing with an abusive spouse or substance abuse often look to the council for advice on where to turn.

The Resources Council’s community fuel fund which has been helping folks since 2008 assists an average of 135 families every winter with heating oil or with wood provided by the Woodchucks, a group of 15-20 volunteers who cut and split wood and often deliver it to the recipients. Last winter, 40 cords of wood kept 35 area families warm.  Thanks to generous donations of local residents, a free clothing closet is available at the Boothbay Harbor Methodist Church year-round on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and peninsula residents are welcome: “Take what you need, leave enough for others.’’

There are many ways we can all help. Donations of good, clean clothing and shoes bagged and marked for men, women and children can be left in the blue box at the Transfer Station. In the past, landowners have cut down trees themselves or offered to let the Woodchucks cut down and trees and haul them off to the Woodchucks distribution center, a Quonset hut on the town of Boothbay‘s public works site next to the transfer station.

 Of course, one of the best ways we can all help this time of the year is with financial donations. The Resources Council’s newsletter currently being circulated carries all of the pertinent information,  including where to send donations: BRCRC, c/o Osman Page, 25 Granary Way, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 or you can drop them off with area clergy or at a town office. And, If you’re in need of help or know someone who does, contact Amy Winston at brcrcommunitrynavigator@gmail.com or comnavassistant@gmail.com. Applications for assistance are available at the Urgent Care Center on the St. Andrews campus.

The Resources Council has many other services and programs we haven’t even touched upon here, such as the community garden at Rittall Farm which provides fresh vegetables to families at a minimal cost, the summer Food for Thought which insures that even when school is out, families get free lunches for their kids, and the Set for Success program at the beginning of the year which provides essential school supplies for every elementary school student. Kids can even get a free haircut to start the school year!

We’re so lucky to have these scores of volunteers working day after day to improve the lives of all those who live on this peninsula. Pick up one of the Resources Council’s brochures this week, see first-hand everything they do, and then do whatever you can personally by donating in any way you can, including volunteering your time. Be a part of a community that cares about its friends and neighbors.