Area residents are invited to eat out next Thursday for United Way’s annual Extra Helping Event. On Thursday, Sept. 22, Midcoast residents can dine at a variety of participating restaurants with a portion of the revenue going to support United Way of Mid Coast Maine-funded programs.

“The Extra Helping Event brings people together around food to help our friends and neighbors,” says Cheryl Rust of Le Garage. “Eating locally and helping locally, plus no cooking! What can be better?”

Participating restaurants include Big Top Deli, Byrnes Irish Pub (Bath and Brunswick), Café Crème, Henry & Marty, Le Garage, Mid Coast Pizza and More, Sarah’s Café, Solo Bistro, and Starlight Café. Visit United Way’s website at uwmcm.org for last minute additions. “We’re hoping for a big turnout!” said Rust.

More than 20,000 Midcoast residents were helped last year by United Way-funded programs. In partnership with thousands of donors, United Way works to improve education, financial stability, and health for people in Brunswick and Harpswell, Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties.

United Way’s fall campaign kicked off on Sept. 13 and has already reached 20 percent of its $1,850,000 goal. The campaign ends Nov. 10.

For more information about United Way of Mid Coast Maine and the Extra Helping Event, or methods for making a donation, visit uwmcm.org. You can also find United Way on Facebook at facebook.com/uwmcm.