For the last four years, a group known as the Woodchucks has gathered donated firewood and distributed it to local homes in need.
Based out of the Boothbay Public Works, the group’s 10 members range in age from 60 to nearly 90. This fall, they delivered about 20 cords of wood to 17 houses in Edgecomb, Southport, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor.
The Woodchucks were recently honored with a Spirit of America Award for their invaluable contribution to the community.
“It’s a passion for all of us,” said Woodchuck John King. “It’s exercise, and people need to be able to be warm.”
Although an elderly group, the Woodchucks are a lively bunch, and they gab and banter as they survey their cache of wood ready to be delivered to homes in need. Many of Woodchuck said they still cut all their own firewood as well.
“We’re not spring chickens, out running around delivering wood on our shoulders, but it gets us out, and we have fun,” said Woodchuck Denny Wilson.
The group formed when Woodchuck Henry Rowe was at a meeting of a local charitable organizations and asked, “What about firewood?” the Woodchucks said. “He asked, ‘You do clothing, food and oil, what about firewood?'”
Shortly afterwards, the Woodchucks started gathering wood. Maurice Landemare’s property was the home of the group’s first cache. That first winter, they collected and gave out about five or six cords of wood.
Since that first fall they have added members and equipment. These days they have ample storage space at the Public Works, and so many available donations they can be selective about only taking good hardwood.
Much of their wood comes from developers and others with lots they need cleared. If they have good access, the Woodchucks will come and clear the downed trees, chop the wood and cure it.
“Everything we deliver is seasoned hardwood, split and cut to stove length,” said Woodchuck William Smith, also a 40-year member of the Boothbay Fire Dept. Smith owns much of the equipment the Woodchucks use and arranged the group’s access to the Public Works.
Although they’ve already grown a lot in four years, the Woodchucks have no plans to slow down. They’re hoping to find a way to get a tractor, but insurance has made that difficult. Until the US economy recovers, demand for heating assistance is likely to grow.
“Most town’s offer some sort of heating oil, but this is a way to do something a little different and in Maine, wood is a big thing,” King said.
For more information on the Woodchucks, or to donate or request firewood, call Amber Jones at the Boothbay town office at 633-2051.
