The Kennebec Wood Bank operates like a community food pantry but for firewood...
It may be hard to believe, but 1 out of 3 households in Kennebec County are either below the federal poverty level or living paycheck to paycheck. They are often faced with the impossible choice of heating their home or buying food or medicine.
We serve these families when they face a heating crisis by providing a temporary supply of no-cost firewood. While we can't heat homes for the entire winter, we can help bridge folks through a tough time.
Like a food pantry, we rely on donations from the local community. Our volunteer team secures hardwood logs from landowners, tree services and others. We then cut, split and stack the wood so it is seasoned and ready to burn by winter.
How it Works
To ensure efficient distribution, we coordinate all free firewood requests through the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP). Because KVCAP administers energy assistance programs, they are uniquely positioned to help manage our intake process.
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Eligibility Screening: KVCAP handles the initial intake. Please note that enrollment in LiHEAP or specific income verification is not required to qualify for free firewood.
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Scheduling & Logistics: KVCAP coordinates a specific pickup day and time with the resident, reviews the pickup process with them, and then notifies the wood yard.
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Allotment: Eligible households receive up to a 1/3 cord of seasoned hardwood per season, which typically provides a few weeks of primary heating.
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Fulfillment: Pickups take place at either our Belgrade or Monmouth locations.
Distribution is slated to begin in the fall of 2026, with updates posted here and to the Kennebec Wood Bank Facebook page.