Nearly 30 volunteers from Ferndale to Livingston met at the Condon Work Center to cut, split and deliver wood to those in need around the Swan Valley.
Volunteers delivering and stacking firewood at a local landowner's home.
SWAN VALLEY – "We felt so connected to the Swan Valley community by doing hard work for a common need," said Wendy Weaver, Executive Director, Montana Aquatic Resources Services out of Livingston, Montana. "We would love to start something like this in our community too, where we know people are burning wood, and lots of folks can't get wood for themselves. We just had the best time working with the best folks in such a beautiful place. It was really something special to be a part of!"
Nearly 30 volunteers joined Swan Valley Connections for their annual Community Firewood Day Friday, Oct. 9. Since the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the Landscape and Livelihood class that typically did the service project, area volunteers carried on the tradition and delivered 22 loads of firewood to 19 households in the valley including two loads to the Swan Valley Community Hall for community use.
The Community Firewood Day started more than 20 years ago by Neil and Dixie Meyer. Swan Ecosystem Center board and staff split and delivered the wood to their neighbors.
Since 2001, then Northwest Connections now Swan Valley Connection's Landscape & Livelihood college class did the labor as part of the submergent experience for students into real life of a working, rural landscape.
"They learned about using chainsaws, cutting and splitting wood, and serving those in need in a small community," wrote Rebecca Ramsey, SVC executive director, in an email. "We've carried on this tradition ever since."
Even though both of SVC's college field programs were suspended due to COVID-19, SVC still wanted to provide firewood to the community. SVC invited volunteers to join them in the effort. While volunteers have always been invited and community members have often loaned splitters and pick trucks for the event, this year's effort relied solely on their effort and had a further reach including volunteers from Livingston, Ferndale/Bigfork, Missoula and Seeley Lake.
Larry and Pamela Garlick, Barb and Joe Raible and David and Maren Amnotte donated the logs this year. Barb is the chair of the SVC board of directors and Larry is also on the board.
SVC Office Manager Leanna Grubaugh compiled a list of those in need from past years and others who have either called and requested wood or been recommended by local churches.
"Rural people take pride in their independence and sometimes it's difficult to ask for help," wrote Sara Lamar, SVC education director, in an email. "By being here every year and showing up to people's houses we try to break down that barrier."
SVC Marketing Coordinator Andrea DiNino added, "There are many aging folks in our community who either live alone or are unable to get firewood on their own. Some people can't afford much."
DiNino shared the story about delivering to a local man who is battling throat cancer and given two months to live in July.
"When we pulled up, he said, 'I don't know why you guys keep doing this year after year...but it sure is appreciated. I'll try to pay forward the kindness,'" wrote DiNino in an email. "That was a very special moment that made me grateful we're able to do this for people in the community."
DiNino continued specifically about this year's event, "It was amazing! Everything went very smooth. We had a wonderful BBQ after with meat donated by Mannix Family Grass Finished Beef and Luke Lamar."
"This day exemplifies what Swan Valley Connections is all about at our core - connecting people to one another, connecting people to the land, taking care of our community. It doesn't matter who you are, your age, your political party, your religion, your color, etc. - everyone wants to be warm!" wrote Ramsey. "It's just one day for us to really provide service to this amazing place we get to call home."
SVC is seeking donations of logs for 2021. Logs can be dropped off behind SVC's Work Center. Donors can receive a tax-deductible donation. Please call SVC at 406-754-3137 for more information.
**This story was updated Wednesday, Oct. 14 from the print version after more information was received from Leanna Grubaugh from SVC.
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