As the air turns colder and fall turns towards winter, the members of the MDI Community Campfire Coalition are once again gearing up for the heating season. The mission is simple; to provide heating assistance to families in need on Mount Desert Island, Swan's Island and the Cranberry Isles.

To qualify, an individual or family must complete an application and provide proof of income. All applications and correspondence are confidential. Completed applications can be faxed, mailed or dropped off at Harbor House or The Neighborhood House. The program is not intended for emergency fuel and applicants should allow up to a week for their request to be processed prior to receiving benefits.

Applications are available in town offices, libraries, at The Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor and Harbor House in Southwest Harbor. For more information about the Coalition or to get an application contact Harbor House at 244-3713 or The Neighborhood House at 276-5039.

The Coalition is solely dependent upon donations. Every penny received purchases fuel oil or the equivalent in alternate heating sources. There are no administrative costs taken by either Harbor House or The Neighborhood House for their management of the program. If you would like to make a donation to the Campfire Coalition checks can be sent to: MDI Community Campfire Coalition c/o The Neighborhood House, PO Box 332, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662. All contributions are fully tax deductible.