The Shepard family and the Shepard Motor Group have announced another $5,000 fundraising challenge to raise additional funds for the AIO Energy Program.

“This year’s high cost of heating fuel is forcing many families to choose ‘heat or eat’ during the coldest times,” said AIO, in a news release.

AIO’s Energy Assistance Program has already provided $300 worth of heating fuel to more than 425 families, totaling more than $127,000. With its fuel assistance budget nearly exhausted, funds raised from this challenge will help AIO to provide even more fuel assistance this year.

“This is for our neighbors, community members, friends, and often our customers,” says Neal Shepard. “This is critical as much of the available heating assistance has already been distributed. As a business community, we can pull together to help families get through the rest of the winter.”

The Shepard Auto Group Challenge will match the collective total of all donations from local businesses up to $5,000. The additional funds provided to AIO will give a “second helping” to those who have received assistance earlier in the year and will reach even more first time families who need help. 

“The need is real, and it is urgent,” said AIO.

The Shepard Motor Group challenge has been created to rapidly respond to this need.

“If you can help, we ask that you make your donation today,” said the release. “Your money will be used immediately, providing fuel purchases for families with empty or near-empty fuel tanks. With every $1,000 donation, AIO can help three families get through the end of winter. $10,000 will provide help for more than 30 families! Every business that responds to this challenge will inspire other companies to join in. We hope this “snowball” effect will surpass the challenge goal and help even more families. The greater Rockland community was incredibly supportive and generous during last year’s challenge and assisting neighbors in times of need. We hope to respond quickly and keep struggling families warm and fed as we close out another challenging winter.”

Donations can be made online at www.aio4me.org, by mail to AIO Food & Energy Assistance, P.O. Box 113, Rockland, ME 04841, or by contacting AIO Executive Director Joe Ryan at Joe@aiofoodpantry.org. Check presentation photos at your business or the AIO facility in Rockland are encouraged.

About AIO Food and Energy Assistance

AIO has provided nutritious food and heating assistance to Knox County families. Funding and access to AIO’s programs are more critical than ever as food insecurity in Knox County is projected to continue to increase. Knox County currently has the 4th highest food insecurity rate in the state. Child food insecurity is estimated at 28%. During the past year, AIO has supported 5,896 households, 15,672 individuals, and distributed 12,325 weekend meals packages for elementary school students throughout Knox County. AIO’s Energy Assistance Program helps households with heating assistance or electrical disconnection prevention – which is critical as winter begins. Last winter AIO distributed 691 energy assistance vouchers, totaling $208,000 in support. AIO provides a direct path for donors for assist our community by putting your donation to work immediately.