In time for this winter’s home heating season, bankHometown has contributed an additional $25,000 to its fuel assistance program for Millbury and Sutton residents. The fund, which is part of the bank’s charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, was first established in 2005 to help low-income families pay their home energy costs. This latest commitment brings total contributions to the program to $480,000.

“For two decades, our fuel fund has helped local families in need meet the high cost of heating their homes,” said bankHometown President and CEO Robert J. Morton. “We’re pleased to offer this assistance to our neighbors in Millbury and Sutton to ensure no family has to go without heat this winter.”

The fund provides fuel assistance to households in Millbury and Sutton that meet federal guidelines for low-income individuals. For qualifying applicants, bankHometown will pay $350 for oil, natural gas, or electric directly to the energy supplier. Last winter, more than 50 local families received assistance.

Eligible properties include owner-occupied, single-family residences or apartments. Ineligible properties include subsidized housing, multi-family housing producing rental income (even if owner-occupied), and apartments that include heat as part of the rent.

The program will be administered by the Millbury and Sutton Senior Centers and will end March 31. To apply or to determine if you are eligible, contact one of the program’s coordinators:  Laurie Keefe, Millbury Senior Center, 1 River Street, (508) 865-9247, or Michelle Edelstein, Sutton Senior Center, 19 Hough Road, (508) 234-0703.