Clear Creek Wood Bank Gives Back to the Community
Multifund Grantmaking from WYCF
Hazel Patterson Fund and the Buxton Sarver Fund
This story is from our Spring 2026 newsletter. See the full newsletter here!
Solutions for Community
On Tuesday afternoons in Buffalo, cars begin lining up before the “doors” even open at the Clear Creek Wood Bank. Neighbors wait as volunteers greet drivers and help load each car with firewood for the week.
For many, that firewood means staying warm without choosing between heating and eating. For others, it means staying in their homes. The Clear Creek Wood Bank helps make that possible by providing free firewood to people who need it.
Cutting and hauling firewood isn’t always possible or affordable for older adults, people living with disabilities, veterans, or those living on fixed incomes. The wood bank helps many people who rely on wood as their main source of heat.
They don’t turn anyone away.
“We saw a need in our community and knew we could help fix the problem,” said Kelly Norris, who co-founded the organization with her husband, Nick Norris, and her father, Paul Mumm.
Because of generous people like you, support from the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) helps the wood bank thrive.
Grants from funds at WYCF serving Johnson County, including the Hazel Patterson Fund and the Buxton Sarver Fund, helped provide operating support as the organization, and the need, has grown.
“Heating costs can drop from $500–$600 a month to around $100, that’s lifechanging for some,” said Paul Mumm.
Connection and Checking-In
What started as a clear need in rural Johnson County has become a true community-wide effort. It didn’t take long for people to step in and help.
“Kelly and I have always been dedicated to giving back,” said Nick Norris.
What is built at the wood bank goes far beyond stacks of firewood. Community members step in to help their neighbors– picking up and delivering wood for those who can’t leave their homes or make the trip themselves.
For some, a visit may be their only social interaction that week.
“When people come to get firewood, others know them and check in,” said Kelly Norris. “That’s how communities thrive, we take care of each other.”
“We have nearly 50 adult volunteers, plus students. It’s creating a culture of service in our community,” said Kelly.
Support from the Wyoming Community Foundation continues to
play an important role.
“The Wyoming Community Foundation was one of our first grants, and that support was incredibly important, especially in those early years,” said Kelly. “This is keeping people in their homes.”