A county on the move
To the editor:
I’ll begin this letter with an apology. When publicly thanking others for their support it is easy to overlook some who have contributed their resources to make an effort successful. With this thought in mind I find important to give a big “thank you to all” who have and continue to support Friends of Aroostook, both financially and through their volunteerism.
On various occasions we receive phone calls that seem to make or break our day. Recently I received one of those make my day phone calls. A representative from the County Federal Credit Union called to inform me that Friends of Aroostook had been awarded a $1,000 grant to assist us with our Operation Wood Heat program. This was one of those calls that tend to make one’s day. As the first recipient in southern Aroostook, it is truly an honor to be chosen for this award. And on behalf of those who receive our winter firewood a big thanks to The County Federal Credit Union for making this gift possible.
The County Federal Credit Union gives 12 grants to Aroostook annually. Grants of $1,000 each are given on a monthly basis to support organization that benefit northern Maine. You might say they are about, “connecting local resources with local needs”. You can show your appreciation by stopping at one of their branches and acknowledging their generosity.
Others who have financially supported Friends of Aroostook are The Maine Community Foundation, The United Way of Aroostook, S.W. Collins Co, Katahdin Trust, F.A. Peabody Co., Dr. Chester Husted, Walmart, and other concerned individuals. As mentioned earlier, on occasion it is easy to overlook a supporter but the important thing is, all should know within themselves they have given to help some one less fortunate.
For those who may not be familiar with FoA (Friends of Aroostook) I’ll take a moment to explain the program. FoA was created to give a hand up to Aroostook’s elderly, working cold/hungry, and others less fortunate in the County. Although there are much needed town, state, and federal assistance programs, they often can not give the recipient an opportunity to get involved. We are making every effort to incorporate our consumers into the FoA program. I’m told of a time when those who received assistance were encouraged to get involved in the sponsoring program. Consumers were given the opportunity to shovel a side walk, process firewood, or do other forms of community service. You might say we are rolling back the clock 50 years by encouraging the recipients to join us in giving back.
On this bright sunny day, Nov. 29, we have a gentleman helping our staff process firewood. The man is currently unemployed and his family came up short in their need for firewood this year. He volunteered to assist in splitting firewood for others this winter. When I asked, how should we compensate you he said, “a load of firewood works for me”. FoA appreciates the man’s help and are very pleased to get wood to his family.
Not all can give in a physical fashion, but all can give something to help a neighbor. Each one of us have something to offer and that contribution varies from person to person. I guess the question is, “What can I do to lend a hand up to another who is dealing with life shortfalls”? Keep in mind the most rewarding contribution is giving without expectation.
Our Operation Wood Heat Program relies on The Salvation Army to help identify and screen those who need firewood. This program is not designed to provide winter heat to those who have alternative options such as state and federal programs, but if you or someone you are aware of is falling through the cracks (elderly, working families, and such) and in need of emergency firewood, please call The Salvation Army in Houlton at 532-2322 or call me at 694-8131.
Dale Flewelling,
executive director
Friends of Aroostook
