Saugus selectman joins forces with LEO for fuel assistance program

SAUGUS – Selectman Michael Kelleher would like everyone to do one of two things for him – stand outside without a coat on for about 15 minutes or take a look up and down your street to try and predict who won’t be able to afford heating fuel this winter.With the prediction that home heating costs are set to increase 40 percent this winter, Kelleher has invited Lynn Economic Opportunity to provide information of fuel assistance programs.The forum will be held Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.Darlene Gallant of LEO will be the featured speaker and is set to cover income qualifying levels for fuel assistance, how the program works and how to apply for assistance.”Funding is limited for the program but we were able to help some of the people who attended the forum in Saugus last year so I am looking forward to the program with the hope that we can help as many people and families as possible,” Gallant said.Kelleher said the cost of home heating fuel continues to rise and that puts an added burden on many people and families.”(Gallant) and LEO have fuel assistance programs, deferred payment plans and some heating system maintenance programs that can be beneficial,” he said. “The goal of the forum is to reach those qualifying people and families with the hope that the LEO programs can bring some relief this winter.”Coupled with the forum, Kelleher is also announcing the formation of a fund made up of the Kelleher Family Fund, LEO and Saugus Federal Credit Union to help Saugus individuals and families in need.”It is an absolute certainty that hundreds of people in Saugus will have to make decisions between heating fuel at very high prices, medication or food this winter,” Kelleher said. “My faith gives me the knowledge that those of us who have been blessed should help those less fortunate and I am asking every person, family, business and organization to help raise money for the Saugus Relief Fund.”Kelleher suggested people could make donations, hold fundraising events or programs or do whatever they choose as long as it helps raise money.”I am appealing to the community spirit of so many in Saugus to do as much as they can including collecting money in front of businesses, holding a fundraising event, selling hot chocolate or candy in their neighborhood or whatever they can do,” he said.For his part Kelleher said he would use an automated phone message to call every home and he would make phone calls to businesses and organizations seeking donations.He said he and his family are also organizing a fundraising event.Donations to the Saugus Relief Fund can be mailed or dropped off to Saugus Federal Credit Union on Lincoln Avenue or Main Street. One hundred percent of the money raised will go to individuals and families in Saugus through LEO.