#westbathme — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

'Our community needs it': High #HeatingOil prices drive more #Mainers to #WoodBanks for help

Drew Peters
Mon, October 5, 2026

"As high heating oil prices put pressure on household budgets, wood banks across Maine are seeing more families turn to firewood to help keep their homes warm.

"At the #MidcoastWoodBank in #TopshamME, volunteers are increasing production to meet the growing demand.

" 'Last year, we did 120 cords. This year, we said we can do 200 cords,' volunteer Nat Bulsifar said.

"For Bulsifar, the hours spent splitting and stacking wood are more than just tedious work.

" 'Our clients need it. Our community needs it,' he said.

"Midcoast Wood Bank Director Rich Gravelin said demand has increased as heating costs reach up to $6 dollars per gallon, a record high according to the Maine Department of Energy Resources.

" 'We're seeing the demand is much higher with the cost of heating being as high as it is right now,' Gravelin said.

"According to state officials, Maine is the most heating oil-dependent state in the country. With just over 50% of residents relying on the expensive fuel source, Gravelin said many families are struggling.

" 'We've had some people who have had unfortunate situations where they have oil heat, but they're perhaps unable to afford oil,' he said.

"The #Midcoast Wood Bank serves #BathME, #WestBathME, #BowdoinME, #BowdoinhamME, #BrunswickME, #HarpswellME, #LisbonME, #TopshamME, and #WoolwichME. Gravelin said they provide emergency firewood bins to each community and allow any family in need to pick up as much as two cords of wood. He said all of their wood is donated by residents as well as local businesses and organizations."

#SolarPunkSunday #MainersHelpingMainers
#WinterIsComing #FirewoodBanks
#WoodBanks #HeatingInsecurity #HeatingOil