BELFAST – Winter is coming and the Interfaith Fuel Fund is working this summer to raise money for what it anticipates will be a high demand for assistance from people having trouble paying for home heating oil.

The fund, coordinated by the Greater Bay Area Ministerium, will hold a strawberry festival from noon to 4 p.m. July 12 in conjunction with the city’s Arts in the Park celebration.

“The need was heavy last year,” said Betty York, a member of the fundraising committee, “and with the cost of fuel as it is now, I can only imagine how many folks will be forced to choose between food and fuel. Any help we receive will be greatly appreciated.”

The Interfaith Fuel Fund offers 100 gallons of heating oil per heating season to needy residents in Waldo County. Nearly $15,000 was raised last year. The fundraising goal this year is to double that.

“Last year, we were able to ask for assistance within the churches, at BGAM events, and had some folks within the community who either made donations or held fundraisers,” York said.

“This year, for the first time,” she continued, “we are reaching out into the entire county with the hope that by working together, we can ensure that everyone will be able to receive fuel support if they need it.”

Organizations interested in holding a fundraiser for the IFF may contact York at 338-2857.

Individual contributions may be made to the fund or to churches that are members of the ministerium.

The following churches are members of the IFF:

. Belfast Area Friends, 525-3530.

. Belfast United Methodist Church, 23 Mill Lane, 338-5575.

. Emmanuel Baptist Church, Lincolnville Avenue, Belfast, 338-4841.

. First Baptist Church, 95 High St., Belfast, 338-2544.

. First Church UCC, 8 Court St., Belfast, 338-2282.

. First Congregational Church, 8 Church St., Searsport, 548-6599.

. Frankfort Congregational Church UCC, 42 Main St., 223-4600.

. Grace Tabernacle, Atlantic Avenue, Northport, 975-0245.

. Holy Light Church, 173 Cedar St., Belfast, 338-4363.

. Searsport & North Searsport United Methodist Church, Main Street, Searsport, 548-2239.

. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 81 Court St., Belfast, 338-4433.

. St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 95 Court St., Belfast, 338-2412.

. Unitarian Universalist Church, 36 Miller St., Belfast, 338-4482.

jharrison@bangordailynews.net

990-8207