CUMBERLAND — While it may be difficult in the first week of summer to think about the coming of colder temperatures, the Cumberland Wood Bank is already working to make sure people in need stay warm this fall and winter.

The bank provides firewood to needy area families. Money the bank raises from selling wood to those who can afford it goes toward purchasing fuel for those in need who cannot burn wood.

On June 19 the bank announced its spring wood collection was the organization’s most successful ever. More than 21 cords were collected and processed, and the bank estimated that it will have nearly 30 cords available for delivery.

The bank, now in its seventh year, said it so far has orders for 9 cords. Orders taken this summer will be delivered Sept. 6 (rain date Sept. 13), by a volunteer crew. A barbecue will also be held, and the bank is seeking businesses willing to lend dump trucks and trailers.

A $20,000 fundraising campaign has been underway since January to buy items like a wood processor, bulk bagger and dump trailer, and to purchase reserve log inventory. People can contribute by logging onto plumfund.com/pf/woodbank, or by donating through the Cumberland Congregational Church.

The bank last year processed more than 35 cords of wood, all of which was donated, and supplied $9,100 in assistance to 30 area homes. Ninety percent of recipients have no affiliation with the church.

People interested in volunteering, donating wood, or buying wood can reach Bruce Wildes – who chairs the committee that collects, processes and delivers the wood – at 370-8210 or bruce@lmcgroup.biz. Those in need can call Diane Bennekamper, pastor of the Cumberland Congregational Church, at 829-3419.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @learics.