The Contoocook Carry may end when the last triathlete crosses the finish line, but for the town’s residents, ways to lend a hand are just heating up.

Sunday, Sept. 21, will mark the annual triathlon benefit in Hopkinton, and a wood bank has also been set up at the transfer station to help residents in need of winter fuel assistance.

While 75 percent of the proceeds from the Contoocook Carry go toward fuel assistance, all wood donations collected at the Sean Powers Wood Bank will be given to Hopkinton residents in need.

“Along the way, it becomes really apparent that there are people who are afraid, people on fixed income, that just can’t afford it,” said Mary Congoran, the wood bank’s organizer.

Congoran said in addition to dropping off wood at the transfer station, residents can help in other ways.

“They might only need help stacking, or a path shoveled to the wood during the winter time,” she said. “The basic thing we’re starting to ask people to do is just go out in the neighborhood and knock on doors and ask who may need help. If nothing more comes out of it than neighbors chatting with neighbors, that’s a great thing, too.”

The effort to raise wood is being called Wood for Warmth, and one of the main aspects will come on Saturday, Oct. 18, during volunteer day.

“Volunteers will be there splitting, cutting and preparing the wood and getting it into the shape so it can be used during the winter,” said Congoran.

Residents are asked to bring 16-inch pieces of wood to the wood bank. Many members of the community have already stepped up and donated large amounts of wood, as well as their services.

Chuck and Joyce Rose have volunteered the use of all their trucks and drivers from their own wood company to collect donations.

“My heart is totally filled up,” Congoran said. “Even if you reach one person like that, it totally fills you up.”

Residents who need to use the donated wood must obtain a voucher from the town’s Human Services Department.

Those interested in donating wood, or finding out more information, can e-mail Mary Congoran at woodforwarmth@hotmail. com or call her at 568-2783.

“The big picture is the community. The only way I could have done anything this is with their help,” said Congoran. “I have the greatest confidence in this community.”

The Contoocook Carry will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Runners set off from Hopkinton High School to the Contoocook River along Route 127, where they launch kayaks for 5 miles, then pick up their bicycles for a 14-mile return trip to the high school.

Those interested in taking part in the Contocook Carry triathlon may register the day of the event at the high school, from noon to 1:15 p.m.