Scarborough resident Eddie Woodin has a challenge: He’s offered Project GRACE $2,500 if the organization can find a $2,500 match. He’s also recommended that a goal of $10,000 be in the bank by Dec. 1. The money will be designated for heating fuel for families in Scarborough.

Project GRACE is a Scarborough organization that uses local donations to help financially struggling families and individuals with needs that are not met by other governmental and nonprofit services. Last year, Project GRACE put more than $6,000 worth of oil in tanks for people in need, and it was a mild winter.

“This generous offer from Woodin is too good to pass up” said Hope Taggart, Project GRACE’s executive director. “We cannot get caught short. When people know there’s a need for fuel, they’ll come forward. We just need to ask.”

Project GRACE volunteers have begun asking. Though there has been no $2,500 match yet, a few local businesses have already come forward to do their part.

Freaky Bean Coffee Shop, on Route 1, will be hosting a talk and book-signing event on Friday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m., with mystery writer and local resident Gerard Bianco, author of “The Deal Master.” Ten percent of profits from that event will go to Project GRACE.

Making Waves, a hair salon, will be hosting a Cut-A-Thon Saturday, Oct. 7, from 2-4 p.m., with all proceeds going to the fuel effort.

Any business, group or individual interested in joining this effort can call 883-5111. Donations earmarked Scarborough Fuel Assistance can be mailed to Project GRACE, P.O. Box 6846, Scarborough, ME 04070-6846.