Groups raise money for fuel aid program

BANGOR – A bank, organized labor and the United Way have contributed nearly $20,000 to an area campaign to raise money to support fuel assistance for people laid off this fall, organizers announced Monday.

The Penobscot County Transition Team is trying to raise some $67,500 for the Good Neighbor Fund, which would provide at least 100 gallons of heating oil or other heating assistance to about 300 people in Penobscot County.

And on Monday organizers said:

. Eastern Maine Labor Council and its laid-off worker organization Food AND Medicine said they donated about $10,000.

. Bangor Savings Bank said it has contributed $5,000, adding to support already given to area organizations assisting those laid off.

. United Way said it donated $4,700 through funds donated by former workers at Georgia-Pacific Corp.’s Old Town mill during a United Way campaign last year.

The team said it is campaigning for other community members to contribute to the Good Neighbor Fund. Send contributions to the Good Neighbor Fund c/o Penquis CAP, P.O. Box 1162, Bangor 04402, or visit www.unitedwayem.org.