AUGUSTA -- The agency that administers the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in central Maine already has processed 8,200 requests for help and has a months-long waiting list for applicant interviews.

Additional help may be on its way soon for low-income people worried about staying warm this winter, but those who need it should be ready to act quickly when it becomes available, as it could be fleeting, according to Rob Gordon, executive director of the Kennebec Valley YMCA and a leader of the Home Heating Challenge, a local group of representatives of several community organizations, municipalities, police departments, oil dealers and others formed to find ways to help keep vulnerable residents warm and in their homes.

Gordon said Saturday he learned at a meeting of the group Friday that Citizens Energy Corp. plans to provide oil to needy Maine residents again this winter. Citizens Energy Corp. is a nonprofit group founded by former U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy of Massachusetts that distributes oil at discounted rates from Citgo, the petroleum company owned by Venezuela's national oil company.

Last year the program provided 100 gallons of oil to each of those who qualified and signed up in time.

"They are committed to doing that again. It will be announced soon," Gordon said. "People should plan on accessing it as soon as possible, as soon as it's announced, because last year they ran out."

Residents looking for federal assistance should call the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, which administers federal Low Income Heating Assistance Program funds in central Maine, as soon as possible to set an appointment, Gordon said. He said the organization already has processed 8,200 requests for help, granting money to help buy heating fuel to about half of those applicants after reviewing their eligibility.

The Home Heating Challenge group plans to meet again Dec. 19.

"It's an effort to bring together resources in the community so we can cover all the emergency situations and help get people through the winter," Gordon said of the group.

Fundraising efforts are ramping up for a special local fuel program, which distributes funds through the United Way and Goodwill Industries.

The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office is helping raise money for the local program by placing blue Heat Helper donation canisters in area stores and other gathering places.

Last winter, the program gave away about $40,000 worth of assistance before it ran out of money in April, Gordon said.

Additional cans are available and can be delivered by the sheriff's office. Gordon said stores or other public places can call the United Way or the sheriff's office to obtain a donation collection can.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com