PROJECT HEAT VOLUNTEER HUB

Thank You for Helping to Keep Your Neighbors Warm This Winter

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Project Heat phone script

“Good (Morning, Afternoon, Evening), This is [__________] for NEWS CENTER Maine’s Project Heat.  How may I help you?”

“Would you like to use a credit card to make your donation?”

Open your browser to https://igfn.us/form/wkZntg and complete the transaction. Donors may also choose to enter the information themselves on the secure site: keepmewarm.org 

  • First name, last name, email, and zip code are required to process a donation. Please ask the caller to also provide phone number and address, as those fields are helpful should there be an issue with their donation. 
    • If the caller refuses to give an email address, please let them know that it is only used to send them a receipt for tax purposes. If they still refuse, you can input info@uwsme.org as their email address. Please try to get a phone number, though, so we have a way of contacting them should a payment issue arise.
  • If the donor requests to be anonymous, reassure them that all donors are treated as anonymous and names are never shared publicly. 
  • DO NOT write down the credit card number or repeat it back to the person.
  • Be sure that the credit card goes through. You’ll see a confirmation page when it does. 
  • Please close the confirmation page and click https://igfn.us/form/wkZntg to open a new tab for the next caller.

“Your credit card statement will reflect United Way as the charge. ”  

“Thank you for your support! Goodbye.”

Make checks payable to United Way of Southern Maine and mail to:

Keep ME Warm
c/o United Way of Southern Maine
550 Forest Avenue, Suite 100
Portland, ME 04101

NOTE: Please record donors name and amount so that we can include it in the final tally in this form: Check Form

Those needing information about fuel assistance should call 2-1-1 Maine by dialing 2-1-1 or texting their zip code to 898-211. 2-1-1 will share information on heating assistance and weatherization services in their area. 2-1-1 Maine is a statewide health and human services information and referral service created by the United Ways of Maine, in partnership with The Opportunity Alliance and the State of Maine.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

  • Phone Related Issue/Questions or Volunteer Shift Changes: Kim Charland, 207.450.1343
  • Volunteer Related Questions: Elliott Greene, egreene@uwsme.org

  • Website or Donation Issues: Kristin Chase Duffy, kchaseduffy@uwsme.org.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please be set up and ready to go 15 mins before your volunteer time. We will switch out phone numbers (the public will never have your number) at the shift change, so it will be helpful if you are ready to go. Lag time at the end of your shift could last up to 15 mins as we switch out the phone numbers. Have your chargers for laptops and cell phones ready to go.

The social media hashtag is #ProjectHEAT, so take a picture of yourself on the phone during your shift and post it with this hashtag asking friends and viewers to call. Be sure to post the number to call. 

Write down their name and number to reach them. Tell them someone will call them back. Email kchaseduffy@uwsme.org the caller’s name, number, and question, and we can call them back for you.

From 12 to 1 p.m. Dead River Company will match up to $20,000 of viewers’ donations.

Project Heat was designed by NEWS CENTER Maine with United Way to help Mainers in need during this winter’s heating season. All the money raised from Project Heat will go to the Keep ME Warm fund.

Yes. Callers should consult with their tax professional for questions about individual deductions, etc. 

The Keep ME Warm fund was established in 2008 and is a statewide partnership of the seven United Ways in Maine and the 10 Community Action Programs to supplement fuel assistance programs. Donations are distributed through a formula based on federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) percentages and population, and are used to assist individuals directly, or designated to local organizations that provide emergency fuel assistance, including faith-based programs and nonprofit agencies.

Your donations to Keep ME Warm will provide emergency heating assistance. Community Action Programs will use the funds to help households with fuel assistance that may not be eligible for limited federal, state or local fuel assistance programs. United Ways and 211 Maine will use the funds to support additional organizations and agencies that can help those in need of fuel assistance.

Yes. To cover the cost of processing donations and distributing the funds throughout Maine, there is a 5% fee on donations.

Those needing information about fuel assistance should call 2-1-1 Maine by dialing 2-1-1 or texting their zip code to 898-211. 2-1-1 will share information on heating assistance and weatherization services in their area. 2-1-1 Maine is a statewide health and human services information and referral service created by the United Ways of Maine, in partnership with The Opportunity Alliance and the State of Maine.