PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Maine heating fuel company and the United Way of Greater Portland are joining forces to help people in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont stay warm through the region’s long, cold winter.

The Dead River Company and the United Way officials are planning an event Tuesday in Scarborough to announce the “Share the Warmth” plan aimed at raising fuel assistance funds.

The program is hoping to raise money from individuals and businesses. The Dead River Company will match each dollar collected up to $100,000.

The United Way will distribute the aide to agencies that provide fuel assistance in the three states.

It’s estimated that one in 10 households needs heating assistance to stay warm during the winter.