HELENA, Mont. — Dozens of volunteers gathered at Tenmile Creek Park on Thursday to help make sure people across the Helena area have firewood to heat their homes this winter.
The fifth annual Warm Hearts, Warm Homes firewood project brought together around 50 volunteers to split, haul and stack about 20 cords of firewood that will be distributed to people in need throughout the community in the coming months.
Organizers say the project is especially important for people who rely on wood heat but may no longer be able to collect or prepare enough firewood themselves.
“Lots of people depend on wood heat, and lots of folks can't get in themselves anymore for whatever reason. Maybe they got injured or an illness, or just age is preventing them from doing that. With heating costs as they are now, people need firewood,” said John Beaver, a Prickly Pear Land Trust board member.
The project has grown into an annual community effort. Over the past five years, organizers say more than 100 cords of firewood have been distributed to around 150 families.
Several local organizations and businesses contribute volunteers, equipment, land, supplies and other resources to make the project possible.
Community partners include the Montana Conservation Corps, Prickly Pear Land Trust, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Mark's Lumber, Sunflower Bakery, A-1 Rental, Gardenwerks, Raymond Construction, Trout Creek Construction, the City of Helena and the Montana Bicycle Guild, along with volunteers from local faith communities.
People who need free firewood can contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, for more information at (406) 447-1625
