Missoula Couple Delivers Free Firewood to Community

The Way Outside aims to ignite community in Missoula, Frenchtown and the surrounding areas, one piece of firewood at a time.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Six years ago, Stephen and Jennifer White started The Way Outside with two cords of wood and an idea to spark community through firewood. They now deliver load after load of free firewood across Missoula, Frenchtown, and the surrounding areas, even making use of trees downed by recent major windstorms. The operation has grown to a year-round service, with the help of volunteers, and they delivered seven semi-truck loads of wood last year alone.

Why it matters

The Whites' initiative provides much-needed assistance to community members who cannot afford firewood or are unable to cut their own. By delivering free, dry, and ready-to-use firewood, they are helping to keep people warm during the colder months and fostering a sense of community in the process.

The details

The Way Outside started small, with just two cords of wood, but has since grown into a year-round operation. The Whites and their volunteers deliver firewood, as well as clothing and food, to those in need. They often respond to calls for help after major weather events, such as the 2024 windstorm, when they collected downed trees to split and distribute. The organization is now booked out until May, as they work to fill their woodshed for the next season.

  • The Way Outside started six years ago.
  • In July 2024, the organization responded to the major windstorm by collecting downed trees to split and distribute.
  • A few weeks ago, the Whites put out a social media call for trees downed by this winter's windstorms.

The players

Stephen White

Co-founder of The Way Outside, a Missoula-based organization that delivers free firewood to those in need.

Jennifer White

Co-founder of The Way Outside, a Missoula-based organization that delivers free firewood to those in need.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This has taken off like wildfire. We started like literally right here, outside the woodshed here, with a few pallets, and we had just kept two cords of wood on because we're just like, 'Oh, maybe we can help somebody.'”

— Stephen White, Co-founder, The Way Outside

“Cut it, split it and send it out. If we could bring them firewood to keep them warm, then they're not having to stress about that.”

— Jennifer White, Co-founder, The Way Outside

“We are actually loading it up, delivering it to them and asking them where they need it, how they need it. I think with firewood and either food or clothing, it's meeting a tangible need.”

— Jennifer White, Co-founder, The Way Outside

“They love it. They're so happy to see us. They just can't believe someone would do that, just like go out of their way to like show up. I'll bring a cord to a quad and a half at a time, free of charge. It's all good wood. It's dry. It's ready to roll. Yeah, a lot of people cry.”

— Stephen White, Co-founder, The Way Outside

What’s next

The Way Outside is looking to fill their woodshed with more donated wood as they prepare for the next heating season.

The takeaway

The Whites' community-driven initiative to provide free firewood to those in need demonstrates the power of grassroots efforts to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Their work has sparked a sense of community and goodwill in Missoula and the surrounding areas.