I encourage residents of Scarborough to donate to the fuel assistance fund for which the town and Project Grace have joined forces. In order to deal with the huge decreases in the budgets of low-income fuel assistance programs and the ever-rising cost of fuel, this cooperative program was established to head off tragedy for our residents in need this winter. It is surprising how few donations have been made to this fund. I did not expect an outpouring of huge donations by everyone in town, but I did expect that many residents, businesses and organizations would give a little; pennies and dollars add up quickly.

Scarborough is a very well off community and perhaps many people do not know about this program. Except for a few issues and areas we do not use our town website or social media as well as we could, and I do not believe that the local media has covered this story to a great extent.

Many people are focusing their charitable dollars on issues that are close to their hearts and for groups that are struggling in this economy. I know that I have a list of organizations to whom I can only afford to give a small amount and I hope that you will consider making a gift of any amount to this fund.

Donations may be sent to Project Grace at P.O. Box 6846, Scarborough, ME 04070-6846, or you may donate at the Town Hall.

Kerry Corthell
Scarborough