The Grand Traverse Regional Foundation has established a 2007 holiday fund to assist area senior citizens with energy costs.

With state aid discontinued, the need for assistance is expected to be greater than in previous years. In coordination with the Area Agency on Aging and county Commission on Aging, the community foundation is collecting money to help support emergency energy assistance for seniors in the Grand Traverse region.

All funds raised through the end of the year will be split equally between Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. In the first few weeks of the initiative, $34,000 has been secured but supporters say more help is needed. If a minimum of $50,000 is raised by year’s end, each county Commission on Aging can help 15 to 20 households within their county.

Donations sent by mail must be postmarked by Saturday, Dec. 22. Online donations can be made through Monday, Dec. 31

More information is available at 935-4066.

Donations may be sent to 2007 Holiday Fund for Senior Citizen Energy Assistance, GTCF, 250 E. Front St., Ste. 310, Traverse City, MI 49684. Donations can also be made online at wwwgood4ever.org; click on “donate online.”