At CORAC, we often use “wood chopping” as a figure of speech for cleaning up the mess we’ve made in our faith, society and culture. Chopping wood – literally chopping wood – is hard, typically exacting a rigorous full-body workout combined with a fair amount of physical coordination to get the job done. The good news is that it’s a pretty straightforward task that can become easier with practice, the right mindset, and a sensible approach.

Not counting power and utility outages, researchers found that nearly 23% of Americans keep their homes at unhealthy and unsafe temperatures due to the financial strain related to their skyrocketing energy bills, with another study revealing that nearly 34 million households can’t afford basic energy needs like heat. So considering this “Go Forth” initiative, chopping wood can not only help keep some hearths warm as the seasonal temperatures plummet, but it could also potentially be a lifesaver.

To organize your free firewood drive, start by identifying free wood like the fallen trees and others marked for removal right around your house and neighborhood, then arrange for some hardy volunteers with trucks and equipment to collect the wood and cut it down to size. Finally, coordinate distribution to those in need, ensuring the wood is properly seasoned and stored for use.

THE DETAILED PLAN

• Set a date and time. Choose a time when volunteers can realistically participate, such as a weekend.
• Designate a collection point. Choose a central location that is accessible for both wood donors and recipients.
• Publicize the event. Use local social media groups, community bulletin boards, and freecycle networks to spread the word

VOLUNTEERS & RESOURCES

• Volunteers. Ask CORAC members near you, friends, family, and community members to volunteer their time.
• Equipment. Request volunteers with trucks, chainsaws, and other necessary tools.

FIREWOOD

• Find sources. Check for fallen trees, head for the open woods, contact local tree surgeons, and look for listings on sites like Craigslist or Nextdoor.
• Check for permissions. Always get permission before taking wood from private property.
• Be safe. Ensure all volunteers know proper safety procedures, especially when using chainsaws and sharp axes.

DISTRIBUTION

• Organize delivery. Coordinate with recipients to schedule a time for delivery.
• Check recipient needs. Ask about the type of wood needed and the quantity.
• Offer stacking assistance. Consider offering help with stacking the wood at recipients’ homes.
• Leave-it-at-the-door. For those who prefer contactless delivery, leave the firewood at their doorstep.

STORAGE

• Elevate wood. Store wood off the ground to prevent moisture from rotting it. You can use pallets or bricks for this.
• Ensure airflow. Allow for plenty of air circulation by stacking the wood in a loose, organized manner.
• Cover the top. Protect the wood from rain and snow by covering only the top of the stack with a tarp or a slanted roof.
• Keep it dry. Store firewood a safe distance from any structures to prevent fire hazards.

If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
— James 2:16