With the official start of winter still three weeks away, it’s already getting pretty chilly outside. 

Unfortunately, not all Wake County families can afford to heat their homes throughout the coldest months of the year. To assist those in need, the seasonal energy assistance outreach program Warmth for Wake kicked off its 34th year on Halloween.

Co-sponsored by Wake County Human Services and the North Carolina Bankers Association, the program provides financial assistance to eligible families, enabling them to heat their homes.

Warmth for Wake also provides free deliveries of firewood to homes that can use it to offset their gas or electric heat consumption. Wood deliveries for the 2011–2012 season will be made on the following dates: December 3, 17, 31; January 14, 28; February 11, 25; March 10, 24.

The initiative is funded entirely through the tax-deductible contributions, and all funds raised through this program go directly to families in need, with no administrative costs deducted from the proceeds.

Volunteers are always needed, particularly those with a truck or trailer, or who can supply tools to help cut wood. Contact denise.kissel@wakegov.com or (919) 212-7083 to volunteer. Warmth for Wake accepts in-kind donations of chain saws, axes, mauls, hydraulic splitters and wheelbarrows. Financial donations for this purpose are also welcome.

Year-round donations of untreated hardwoods are accepted when delivered to the City of Raleigh Yard Waste Center. Prior authorization is required. Call (919) 212-7083 for more information about wood donation.

During last year’s campaign, Warmth for Wake assisted an estimated 200 households throughout the county. Contributions during the 2010–2011 season totaled $35,000, and more than 40 homes received free firewood.

Contributions are accepted at any Wake County bank or can be mailed to:

Warmth for Wake
P.O. Box 46833
Raleigh, NC 27620-6833

Warmth for Wake recipients must be Wake County residents.

For more information, visit wake.gov.