Sweden Community Assistance Funds available

SWEDEN — The Sweden Community Emergency Fund and Sweden Fuel Fund were created by the Sweden Community Church in 2008 to help Sweden residents with emergency needs. They are administered as charitable organizations with accounts separate from other church funds. 

Sweden residents who do not meet the state criteria for General Assistance may apply for assistance from these funds, which are paid directly to a fuel company, doctor, electrical company, etc. Applicants do not receive funds.

Over the past years, many people have generously given gifts of cash and stocks making it possible for the Sweden Community Emergency Fund and Sweden Fuel Fund to help Sweden residents facing emergency situations.

Donations to support these funds may be made to the Sweden Community Church and sent to Alberta Ridlon, 113 Ridlonville Rd., Sweden, ME 04040. Please write Sweden Community Emergency Fund or Sweden Fuel Fund on the check memo line. 

Any Sweden resident experiencing an emergency should contact Kay at (207) 647-3970 or Alberta at (207) 647-9086 to discuss their needs. The identity of any recipient is strictly confidential.

Support needed now for BCC fuel assistance fund

It's that time of year when the Bridgton Community Center starts to see an influx of needs within the community. Families, seniors, neighbors, and friends who reside in Bridgton, begin to struggle to meet basic needs. This year is anticipated to be one of the most challenging winters ever due to the high cost of fuel prices and fixed incomes. 

While BCC strives to assist as many individuals as possible through the fuel assistance program, BCC can only meet those needs through the generosity of the public’s donations. The BCC Fuel Bank is an emergencyfund available to Bridgton residents for 100 gallons of fuel onceper season. The Fuel Bank is completely funded through private donations and is only available until funds are depleted.

Last year, the Fuel Bank helped 53 Bridgton families and expects increased demand this season. The fund is currently low and in need of donations. If you would like to donate to the Bridgton Community Center Fuel Bank, donations can be made by check directly to the BCC fuel fund or throughhttps://www.bridgtoncommunitycenter.org/program/bcc-fuel-bank 

“We thank you in advance for your generosity in helping us keep our residents warm,” BCC said.