The crisp chill in the air this morning is a reminder that not everyone in Wake County can count on a warm home tonight. As the season’s first cold snap arrives, Wake County is asking residents to join Warmth for Wake, a program that provides firewood and space heaters to help families in need stay safe and comfortable this winter. Volunteers and donations are urgently needed to support this critical effort.

“In Wake County, we believe in supporting our community through every season. The Warmth for Wake program is a vital resource that helps ensure no family faces the cold alone,” said Wake County Commissioner Don Mial. “The commitment of our volunteers significantly impacts the lives of families in need, this winter we invite everyone to step up and join our efforts to keep our neighbors warm.”

Split and Serve volunteer events
Warmth for Wake invites the public to join weekly “Split and Serve” events, held every Saturday this season from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Everett Farms and the City of Raleigh Yard Waste Center. Volunteers will tackle hands-on tasks such as splitting, loading and delivering firewood to local families in need. Participants must be 15 or older and physically able to handle heavy work, including shoveling, lifting logs, operating wood splitters and loading trucks. A waiver must be signed on-site. Registration is required. Available time and dates can be found here.

Volunteers will also be needed for the second phase, which involves delivering firewood directly to homes across the county throughout the winter.

Ways to get involved:

• Volunteer: Register for a Saturday morning session (October–March). Trucks, trailers and personal tools are welcome.
• Donate firewood: Drop off oak, hickory, cedar or poplar (no evergreens) at the Raleigh Yard Waste Center – free of charge. Firewood must be cut to 24 inches in diameter or smaller and 6 feet long or less.
• Donate a space heater: New or gently used electric heaters are accepted. Kerosene heaters and fuel are not allowed.
• Financial contributions:
  Donations can be made online or mailed to:

Wake County Health & Human Services
Warmth for Wake Program
4401 Bland Road (MD 110)
Raleigh, NC 27609

Warmth for Wake also accepts financial contributions directly benefiting families in need, with no administrative fees deducted.

How to request help:
Families or older adults in need of firewood or space heaters can request assistance by contacting their case manager or social worker. Residents can also reach out directly to the Warmth for Wake program via email at warmthforwake@wake.gov or call 919-212-7083 for support.

Financial assistance to help with heating bills may be available during the winter months through the Crisis Intervention Program or through the Low-income Energy Assistance Program.

Applications for financial assistance can be made through the Wake County Energy Assistance program.

To learn more about the Warmth for Wake program visit: wake.gov/warmthforwake.