CONCORD - The State of New Hampshire and its partners are continuing efforts to help New Hampshire families and seniors stay warm this winter, through heating assistance and weatherization.

Gov. John Lynch this week joined officials from the state’s Community Action Programs in accepting generous donations from two New Hampshire corporate citizens. However, Gov. Lynch said there is more work that needs to be done.

“Our efforts to assist New Hampshire families have been very successful, but there are more of our citizens who need our help. The current national economic downturn has caused many of our citizens to worry about losing their jobs and their homes. But there is also an immediate concern,” Gov. Lynch said. “Families worry about how they, their neighbors and their parents are going to afford to heat their homes this winter. They worry that they may need to go without other essentials - such as food or needed medication - in order to stay warm.”

“That is why it we are calling on volunteers to come forward and help with this effort to keep New Hampshire families warm this winter,” Gov. Lynch said.

Citizens Bank yesterday presented a $50,000 check, and National Grid presented a check for $25,000 to the state’s Community Action Programs, which administer low-income heating assistance. Previously, Ocean Bank contributed $10,000 to the effort, while Franklin Savings Bank has donated $50,000.

“I want to thank Citizens Bank and National Grid for the generous donations that be used to help New Hampshire families and seniors stay warm this winter,” Gov. Lynch said.

The state is partnering with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and a dozen volunteer organizations to coordinate volunteers, and citizen and corporate fundraising to expand and accelerate the StayWarm NH weatherization capabilities.

During the past two weekends, nearly 300 volunteers have worked to weatherize about 300 homes in communities across New Hampshire.

Weatherizing homes can save families on their energy usage and their energy bills, which are savings that can carry over from year to year.

The Stay Warm NH hopes more volunteers will be willing to donate their time and services to the next round of weatherization efforts scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 13.

“The Stay Warm NH program still needs volunteers to help reach as many homes as possible,” Gov. Lynch said. “I want to thank the many volunteers and our partners who have coordinated this extraordinary effort. Together, we will help to ensure our citizens stay safe, and warm this winter.”

To volunteer for the StayWarm NH weatherization team and for further information regarding the state’s efforts, go to www.staywarmnh.org or call the 2-1-1 information hotline.