THORNDIKE – A longtime educator at Mount View High School is giving students and friends a lesson in paying it forward.

Tanya Hubbard, who has taught English at the high school for 36 years, recently started the 5 for 5 Campaign. Its goal is to raise $5,000 for heating fuel for five local families this winter.

Hubbard said she was distraught about a proposed cut in federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which leaves Maine in line for about $30 million this winter, compared with last year’s $56.5 million.

“I know a lot of people in this area who rely on that to help stay warm,” said Hubbard, “and I was dismayed beyond belief.”

Hubbard said the dire reality of the situation hit home recently when a person in line at a pharmacy asked the pharmacist to cut her prescribed pills in half so she could save enough money to afford some food and fuel.

“I had heard about that type of thing happening, but I actually heard it and saw it right in front of me,” she said.

Hubbard has experienced heart failure and twice battled cancer, and knows something about community support.

“I’ve been a recipient of such generosity the last 12 years, and it’s time for me to step up and pay it forward,” she said.

“I have so much and others don’t,” said Hubbard. “This is about people helping people.”

Hubbard decided to ask each of her 685 friends on Facebook, as well as community members, students and family members, to give $10, or whatever they can, toward a heating fuel fund.

After receiving encouraging responses, Hubbard decided to try the “pay it forward” campaign.

Many of Hubbard’s Facebook friends have reposted her announcement about the 5 for 5 Campaign. Hubbard said that in the five days after the campaign was announced, people had contributed nearly $800 to the fund.

“I know people are amazing and people often ask what they can do. I’m calling in my card (to ask a favor),” she said.

She said that after winter break, she may ask the members of the Mount View High School class of 2012 to adopt the campaign as a community service project.

She said some students spend a few dollars daily on drinks and chips, and that amount of money could be put toward improving the quality of life of a person in the community.

Donations, as well as requests for assistance, may be sent to 54 Aborn Hill Road, Knox, Maine, 04986. Inquiries may be emailed to tanya_hubbard123@yahoo.com.

Hubbard said she will work with a heating oil company in the area to distribute the fuel.

“Every single penny will go to the families,” she said.

Morning Sentinel Staff Writer Beth Staples can be contacted at 861-9252 or at:

bstaples@centralmaine.com