The town of Kittery is getting an early start on fundraising for its four-year-old fuel assistance program, launching today an "adopt a family" campaign for the upcoming heating season.

Town officials believe they will have to double fundraising efforts this year in order to serve the same amount of people. Last year, the town served 75 families and raised $25,000 through donations and fundraisers. This year, officials hope to raise $50,000.

The town sent letters out today to businesses in the community, asking for various levels of donations: $1,000, or 2-100 gallon deliveries, is a Papa Tank; $500, or 1-100 gallon delivery, is Momma Tank; and $250 is a Baby Tank.

The town this year will try to pre-buy as much oil as funds will allow by Aug. 31. Town Manager Jon Carter said fundraising for heating assistance during the summer months and during a difficult economic period could prove to be challenging. If the town doesn't raise enough through this summertime push, those involved with Kittery's Fuel and More program will regroup in the fall to develop additional fundraising ideas, he said.

Kittery's Fuel and More program launched four years ago to provide a "safety net," for those who don't qualify for the town's General Assistance or for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program also assists families who do qualify for those programs but need additional help.

The program is comprised of local churches, P. Gagnon & Son Oil Company, York County Community Action and the town.