The Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor is proud to announce that their offered matching grant of $5,500 to the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council (BRCRC) was matched — and exceeded — in record time. The Boothbay Civic Association (BCA) contributed an additional $7,500, which has helped the club to enable the BRCRC to purchase a Woody Log Loader for their Woodchucks group.

“Our Woodchucks are a special breed of seasoned volunteers. Their labor intense efforts will be greatly rewarded with the Woody Log Loader,” said Sue Burge, current president of the BRCRC.

Bill Smith, who’s been with the Woodchucks from the beginning, said the donation will help with the “heavy lifting, which takes a toll on the old guys. We are so grateful to Rotary and the BCA for their generous gifts. It will definitely be a gift that keeps on giving!”

Jonathan Tindal, local Rotary Club president, presided over the board meeting during which the grant match was announced.

"We’re proud to support our community and its dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly in the spirit of Service Above Self,” Tindal said, reflecting on the incredible generosity in this community in not only meeting the Rotary Club’s grant, but in exceeding it. “Our Rotarians are delighted to see Rotary's Four-Way Test exemplified by our community partners, including the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, Boothbay Civic Association, and here, specifically, the Woodchucks program."

Burge echoed these sentiments, saying “Our gratitude to Rotary, the BCA and folks from the community who put forth the funds to purchase this equipment, taking mountains of manpower off the shoulders of our dear men.”

The all-volunteer Woodchucks formed in 2008, to help local families in need who use wood to heat their homes. This crew of seniors cuts and delivers donated wood. “Last year we delivered 38 cord and the season before that, 40,” Smith said.

Smith said the Woodchucks are always looking for more volunteers — and rugged ones at that. Over the past four to five years, the Woodchucks have had help from sources like the U.S. Coast

Guard Station in West Harbor and from Boothbay Region High School. Call Smith at 350-2569 to discuss your options!

Persons/families in need may request a delivery of wood (1 cord/season) by contacting the Community Navigator at 633-6272.