Wood in the Bank: Feeding Wisconsin’s Fires

With the holiday season behind us, the dog days of winter have us squarely in their sights. And while some Wisconsinites thrive in the cold, partaking in ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, or just being the guy who wears shorts no matter how low the mercury drops, others prefer to stay inside where it’s warm. The rub for some in rural parts of the state is keeping the fireplace burning.

According to the 2020 census, around 2.3 million households nationwide use firewood as their primary source of heating fuel. And cost-of-living increases and cuts to the social safety net have left some without the means to maintain consistent warmth through the winter, including here in Wisconsin, which brings up firewood banks: organizations that provide fuel at discounted or free rates to those in need.

Interfaith Caregivers’ Heat-A-Home in Burnett County is one of 250 known organizations across the country. The program began 30 years ago when Danny Blodgett heard the county was going to be burning trees that had been removed in a road-widening project. He offered to take some of the wood rather than have it go to waste. He also offered some to an older neighbor. Before long, they were providing wood to over 100 families.

Nobody knows the exact number of firewood banks nationwide because they’re hard to define. Formal organizations have been around since the 1970s, but sharing wood with neighbors in need goes back to indigenous people. But whether it’s an established non-profit organization or just a person looking out for those in the community, the goal is to help vulnerable people, especially the elderly and sick.

One quote from one such Danbury man stood out. He said, “I just still feel embarrassed asking for help because I’ve been so self-sufficient all my life.”

It’s understandable that somebody independent and Midwestern would think that way. With that in mind, be sure to check on your neighbors to make sure they’ve got fuel for their fire this winter. Ask twice if they’re the strong, silent type. Maybe ask a third time if they’re that shorts-in-winter guy. He’s clearly overcompensating for something.

You can learn more about the Interfaith Caregivers’ Heat-A-Home or make a donation at their website. Or search for an informal group closer to home if you’ve got time or resources to give. Stay warm, Wisconsin.