Mainers are going to be facing a severe crisis this winter. The price of home heating oil is fluctuating between $6 and $7 a gallon. For Mainers who are heating with heating oil, that means a tankful of home heating oil will cost close to $1000. We have been blessed with the mild fall, but now with temperatures dipping into the 20's and snow, furnaces are kicking on.

To that extent, the Hancock County Sheriff's Charity and Hancock County Commissioners are going to be matching local donations to keep Hancock County residents warm this winter. Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane told me that the Hancock County Sheriff's Charity will be matching donations up to  $10,000 and the Hancock County Commissioners will be matching donations up to $20,000 using  American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARPA) ! This was decided at the Hancock County Commissioner's meeting Tuesday morning.

The Sheriff's Charities are funded through events such as the Sheriff's Cup Basketball Tournament, ATV Rides and other events.

Sheriff Kane expressed the concern that Mainers are going to go to great lengths to try and keep warm. Without the proper safety measures, there may unfortunately be more home fires, deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning etc.

They are donating the money to the Thaw Fund through Down East Community Partners. If you are in a position to help, you can make an individual or corporate donation HERE

Individuals needing assistance should reach out to Down East Community Partners. Their number is 664-2424

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