Heating our homes is a privilege that many of us take for granted. For the most vulnerable members of our community, though, tough winters present tough decisions, like choosing between food and heat.

Thanks to the work of the Pittsfield Area Council of Congregations (PACC), eligible households can get the oil they need to heat their homes when they have run out of other options. Last year, we were able to raise more than $13,000, which provided heat to more than 220 homes. Among those families in need were:

·      An elderly woman coming home from a nursing home to a cold house

·      A new widow struggling with the costs of her late husband’s funeral

·      A family bringing home a new baby with a near-empty oil tank, a pile of new bills, and only one paycheck coming in

This year, we not only anticipate the needs to be greater, but we are setting a fundraising goal of $20,000. With this money, we believe we will be able to provide much-needed oil to every qualifying household.

Because our founders experienced heat insecurity for several winters, we know how challenging it can be, and how much one’s daily life is impacted in big and small ways. This is why we’re honored to support this important cause and to help PACC support the most vulnerable members of our community.