With outdoor temperatures dropping, many area residents are turning to internal heat sources, with mixed emotions. Although a warm house is always welcome, heating fuel bills can place a significant strain on finances.

The Boothbay Region Fuel Fund helps local residents keep warm and safe through the cold Maine winter by providing needy families and individuals with heating fuel. The Fuel Fund officially opened for the 2013-14 winter season on November 15 when they granted about $7,000 in fuel assistance to area residents

Boothbay Region Community Resources President Susan Wilson said with declining LIHEAP benefits, the fuel fund expects to see a large demand for assistance again this year.

“We are seeing an awful lot of need in the community,” Wilson said. “It also seems like more elderly are coming to us for fuel. We’re happy they are because they’ve been the hardest to get to come in.”

Applications for fuel assistance may be made through Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb and Southport town offices or with Debi Wood at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, Monday through Friday during business hours. Delivery quantities are limited to 100 gallons once in a heating season.

To help the Fuel Fund help neighbors in need, send donations to the Boothbay Region Fuel Fund, c/o Town of Boothbay, P.O. Box 106, Boothbay, ME 04537.

Wilson said residents can also help by joining the “Top it Off Club,” whose members make a donation to the fund whenever they receive a fuel delivery. More information on the club is available at local churches or by contacting Wood at 207-633-4757.

For more information on the Boothbay Region Community Resources group visit their website at www.boothbayresources.com.