Lions Club and County Renew Wood Program, Support Vulnerable Residents

Island County officials and the Coupeville Lions Club are moving forward with a proposed renewal of a community wood program that supplies firewood to residents in need. The agreement would allow the Lions to continue operating on county property at the Coupeville Solid Waste Transfer Station, where volunteers cut, split and store wood for distribution. County paperwork for the contract renewal is currently advancing through the appropriate channels.

The program has long focused on helping seniors and people with medical or financial hardship maintain heat in their homes. Local volunteers respond to requests from residents who are struggling to pay heating bills or who rely on wood heat because of fixed incomes or other constraints. By providing a practical resource during cold months, the program serves as a community safety net that reduces the immediate burden of energy insecurity for vulnerable households.

From a public health perspective, access to adequate heating has clear implications. Cold homes can exacerbate chronic illnesses, increase the risk of hypothermia, and place additional strain on health care services. Community based efforts that reduce exposure to cold conditions can therefore contribute to reduced emergency visits and better overall health outcomes for older adults and medically fragile residents. The Lions Club program operates alongside state and federal assistance programs, filling gaps for people who may not qualify for other aid or who need more immediate help.

Operating on county property brings both practical advantages and responsibilities. The Coupeville Solid Waste Transfer Station provides a centralized site for safe handling and storage of wood, and a formal agreement clarifies insurance, site use and oversight. As the five year renewal from Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2030 moves through county approval, local officials will need to ensure clear procedures for equitable distribution, volunteer safety and environmental considerations related to wood storage and burning.

The program also raises questions of social equity. Seniors and households with medical needs often face layers of economic vulnerability, and community driven programs like this one can be an important complement to broader policy solutions aimed at reducing energy poverty. Sustaining volunteer capacity, funding tools and equipment, and coordinating with county services will be key to maintaining the program’s reach.

Residents interested in the program or needing assistance should follow Island County communications for updates on the contract renewal and distribution schedules. As the paperwork progresses, the renewed agreement could secure another five years of locally organized heating support for some of Island County’s most vulnerable neighbors.