The Wood Shed

Overview: 2025-2026 Firewood Bank Assistance Program

Take a look at some quick numbers on the grantees of the 2025-2026 Firewood Bank Assistance Program here.

Help Spread the Word

Wood4Good: Expanding to Reach More Vermonters

“In the coming year, Wood4Good will establish new processing and distribution locations in Rochester, Burke, and Rutland County. These sites were chosen to help us reach more rural and underserved communities where access to affordable heating support is limited and winter can be especially challenging.” 

This year, Wood4Good received $50,000 from the Firewood Bank Assistance Program to purchase a large firewood processor, contributing to their expansion.

Letter to the Editor: Wood Bank Eases Fuel Insecurity (ME)

Nat Pulsifer from the Mid Coast Wood Bank wrote a letter to the editor detailing ways in which community members can receive wood and how they can volunteer.

Chainsaws Stolen From Charity Firewood Ministry (NC)

Earlier this month, a firewood bank in Hazelwood, North Carolina, experienced the theft of three chainsaws from a locked storage building on site. AGH recommends having multiple layers of security to help protect shared equipment. We have seen organizations invest in chain-link fencing to secure equipment storage areas, motion-sensor lights, a locked shed or Conex container, and security cameras for added assurance. While nothing can fully prevent theft, firewood banks are often sustained by their communities in moments like these, and sometimes loss is a reflection of need rather than malice. Although incidents like this can strain trust, firewood banks are frequently met with mutual support and solidarity in response, with community members stepping up even more strongly to ensure these programs can continue serving their neighbors.

Maine Wood Banks See Increased Demand as Temperatures Drop Across the State

“Next year, our goal is to be able to distribute 50 cords or more, and we'll continue increasing as long as we need to and as long as we have space.”

Wood4Good Brings Firewood to Vermont Families in Need 

“The pain that Vermonters are going through, the struggle, not only in getting the wood but also in asking. Asking is really hard. And then, the other thing is the anxiety that running out of wood causes for a Vermont family is significant. And we see that firsthand.”

Local Forest Industry Helps Those in Need (PA)

“During the Christmas season, the Professional Forest Industry Association (ProFIA) holds its ‘Fuel for Friends’ program, helping economically stressed homeowners who heat their homes with firewood. ProFIA donates a cord of firewood to each approved recipient.”

This is the first time AGH has seen a forestry professional association step into the role of a wood bank.

Firewood Banks Offer Heat, And Hope, To Rural Homes In Need (WI)

“When Denny Blodgett learned his northwest Wisconsin county intended to burn wood harvested during a road-widening project near his home, he thought it would be unthinkable for that fuel to go to waste.”

Firewood Ministries Help Fauquier Residents Stay Warm (VA)

“Copeland said he’s delivered firewood to homes where people are living without running water. He’s seen homes with broken windows and deteriorating roofs. Some clients are seniors with health conditions.”

Firewood Bank Partnership Back This Year To Give Out Free Firewood To People Who Need It (TN)

“It’s incredibly important” ... “I remember as a child growing up, my main heating source growing up was firewood or coal. So, for the folks that are still using that, and trying to be energy efficient, this is a lifesaver for them.”

Program helps Navajo Nation families with firewood, warmth (AZ)

"We have a bunch of energy within our National Forests and we have a bunch of energy depletion within our tribal settings, so [logs] are a great option for biomass removal and that's our connection."

Lake Region Wood Bank Year End Summary - Success (ME)

“‘The men and women and some children that have given countless hours to this effort are unsung heroes in this community and deserve the highest level of praise,’ Shuttleworth added. ‘Many of us have become close friends and love the hard work and teamwork that bring us together.’”