In a heart (and hearth) warming gesture, congregants of Mattapoisett’s Congregational Church raised money for a new furnace at The Florence Eastman Post 280-American Legion.

On May 15, two church members presented American Legion officers with a check for $750 before the post’s regular meeting.

“We had asked if the Legion needed any work done and we learned the furnace was on its last legs,” said Richard Price, of the Congregational Church.

To help, the church held a “Cinco De Mayo” lunch earlier this month to raise the money, church administrative assistant Judy Kennedy said.

Once the furnace is installed the legionnaires expect to save between 60 and 70 percent on the building’s heating bill, said Post Commander Michael Lamoureux.

Heating bills using the current furnace cost about $400 per month in winter, he said. The savings will help the club financially, which is popular as a rental hall with local groups.

“People in town love it. We’ve got a great space here,” Lamoureux said. “Lots of clubs use it, people rent it for birthdays, baptisms, and more.”

The club hopes to have the new furnace installed before autumn.

The club is located at 9 Depot St. in Mattapoisett. For more information call 508-758-2550.