Eric Axelrod has transformed a surplus of firewood in his Jericho, VT, yard into a budding fuel assistance program designed to help Vermonters stay warm this winter. With the help of his two sons, Devin (14) and Logan (10), Axelrod has started “Wood for Good,” an initiative donating firewood to Vermonters who need it to heat their homes.

Recognizing the selfless goals of Wood for Good, North Star Leasing Company is donating a portable wood conveyor – a critical piece of equipment that will allow Wood for Good's growing group of volunteers to more efficiently load wood into the delivery truck, allowing more households to reap the benefits of the program.

“I'm amazed at the outpouring of support we've had for Wood for Good,” said Axelrod. “We've had a GoFundMe page that has done well, and people are donating both wood and their time. Having North Star Leasing give us a conveyor goes beyond that, and will certainly help us meet our goal of helping our neighbors.”

Using business relationships forged from nearly 40 years of financing equipment purchases in the forestry industry, North Star Leasing procured a 16-foot conveyor belt from Hud-Son Forestry Equipment in Barneveld, NY. The belt is being delivered to the Axelrods in mid-November. Hud-Son is assisting the cause as well, providing the conveyor belt to North Star Leasing at a discounted price.

“When we heard of Wood for Good's effort, we knew right away that in our stable of manufacturers we could find the kind of equipment that would support the mission,” said Dan Feeney, CEO of North Star Leasing. “Eric and his two sons have a really good idea to help out our fellow Vermonters, and it was a natural fit for us to provide the equipment that makes them more efficient.”

Additionally, North Star Leasing's 40 employees volunteered to use their time to help split wood, load trucks or make deliveries.

Wood for Good has delivered about 20 cords of wood this year and encourages Vermonters in need of assistance to reach out at woodforgoodvt@gmail.com. Those interested in volunteering to assist the Wood for Good's efforts can also use that email address to contact the Axelrods. To donate to Wood for Good, click here.