Stephen King is assisting an effort to sell a rare copy of his book The Regulators to help keep boilers burning this winter in the households of low-income families in the Ellsworth, Maine area. King, who lives with his wife Tabitha in nearby Bangor, Maine, agreed to sign the book, which was donated anonymously by a supporter of the Emmaus Center shelter for the homeless in downtown Ellsworth. The entire proceeds of the sale will be donated to the Center's fuel fund.

The book is now on display at Scotties Bookhouse, at 209 Route 1 in Hancock, where it can be inspected by potential buyers. Bookstore owner Michael Riggs is coordinating the process of accepting and logging bids on the book, which will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2013. The bookstore’s phone number is (207) 667-6834. Bids can also be submitted by e-mail at scottybooks@yahoo.com.