DEXTER – Some residents aren’t depending totally on the state and federal governments to help the needy survive the predicted rugged winter.

Instead, it’s going to be neighbors helping neighbors.

The Dexter Energy Committee, a group formed in January to investigate alternative energy for the community, has decided to solicit donations and gather as many volunteers as possible Oct. 11-12 to winterize the homes of at-risk residents.

That effort received a stamp of approval from the Town Council on Thursday. The council adopted a resolution declaring Oct. 11-12 as Weatherization Weekend.

“We’re just trying to do a little bit of a grass-roots [project] and get as many people [as possible] to keep our neighbors warm,” Ron Apel said Friday.

The decision to do the weekend project came after several residents attended a meeting of the energy committee last month. They heard plenty of concern about the high cost of fuel oil and its effect on the elderly, Apel told the council.

For residents identified as needing help, the energy committee will try to make their homes a bit more efficient to retain heat. “We’re trying to get the maximum amount of overall heat savings as we can,” Apel said. That work will involve addition of weather stripping and plastic window coverings, he said.

“We’re starting at zero right now and, hopefully, after the proclamation at the Town Council meeting last night, that will give us the green light to go ahead and start contacting civic organizations and businesses asking for donations,” Apel said.

It is hoped that plenty of people will turn out to volunteer their help and donate materials or financial aid to help purchase the supplies.

About 50 Dexter Regional High School Key Club and Seeds of Peace members have offered to help with the project, according to Apel. He said teams of adults and teenagers will be organized and sent to houses identified for the help.

Anyone who wants to donate materials or money, volunteer time or who knows of a resident who could use weatherization help should contact Lorraine Gelzinis at 924-5990 or Jana Wood at the Dexter town office at 924-7351 weekdays.

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