Heating oil available to military families

STATE – CONCORD (AP) – Oil dealers and distributors in New Hampshire have donated 14,200 gallons of home heating oil for the families of soldiers deployed overseas, it was announced last week.

The program is called Operation Helping Hand and was established by the Oil Heat Council of New Hampshire and the Chaplain’s Emergency Relief Fund, a nonprofit charity, with help from U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg’s office.

The military says about 1,600 soldiers from the state are serving in the war on terrorism.

Military Chaplain William Paige said the families of some soldiers were facing financial problems.

Eligible families can receive up to 150 gallons of free home heating oil.