Lincoln County residents are encouraged to eat locally on Thursday, Sept. 25, to support United Way’s annual “Extra Helping” event. Twenty generous restaurants in the Midcoast area have agreed to donate a portion of Thursday’s revenue to United Way to help fund programs for our neighbors.

“United Way is helping our neighbors in Lincoln County and throughout Midcoast Maine,” said Will Neilson of Solo Bistro, volunteer chair of the event. “Extra Helping is a great way to patronize and thank local businesses that are helping our communities. This lets us all eat locally, help locally, and Live United.”

Lincoln County diners can join in Extra Helping by eating at Le Garage, Damariscotta River Grill, and Sarah’s Café.

The Montsweag Roadhouse in Woolwich is also participating, as are several restaurants in Bath and Brunswick.

“Eat out!” said Neilson. “You’ll enjoy it, and you’ll be doing your neighbors a good turn.”

United Way’s 37 partner agencies include Central Lincoln County YMCA, Coastal Kids Preschool, Healthy Kids, ElderCare Network of Lincoln County, Spectrum Generations Meals on Wheels, Mobius, Lincoln Academy School-based Health Center, and New Hope for Women. Approximately 20,000 residents of Lincoln County and Mid Coast Maine were helped last year by United Way-funded programs improving people’s health, education, and financial stability.

This year’s United Way fall campaign kicked off on Sept. 9 and ends Nov. 13, and has a goal of $1,915,000. Donations can be sent to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530.