United Way of Mid Coast Maine launched its fall campaign Tuesday, Sept. 15 with a kickoff caravan of supporters and partners in decorated vehicles traveling from Topsham through Brunswick, Bath, Woolwich and Wiscasset and ending in Damariscotta.

“This turned out to be a really fun, if unusual, way of kicking off our campaign in a very unusual year,” said Barb McCue, co-chair of the campaign with her husband Bob McCue.  

Bob McCue added, “We need to help each other, more than ever with this pandemic, and United Way is the way to do it. We are asking people throughout Midcoast Maine to give generously this year, whether they have given before or not, or whether they are asked at a workplace or not.”  

The campaign’s theme is “Now More Than Ever!” The goal is to raise $1,650,000 to help the people of Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, Brunswick and Harpswell.  Agencies funded by the campaign include Healthy Kids, Coastal Kids Preschool, CLC YMCA, Mobius, Spectrum Generations – Meals on Wheels, Boothbay Region Community Resources Council, Catholic Charities SEARCH, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lincoln County Dental, and New Hope for Women, among others.

People can give by texting DONATE4UW to 41444, give securely at uwmcm.org/donate, or can send a check to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath ME 04530.

The kickoff was sponsored by Mid Coast Hospital and included the McCues in a decorated convertible, the L.L. Bean Bootmobile, an antique car, vehicles from LincolnHealth and Mid Coast-Parkview Health, other business supporters including FHC and Bath Savings, cars of United Way volunteers and staff, and decorated vans from United Way partner agencies including the Y Veggie Van, Spectrum Generations – Meals on Wheels, Oasis Free Clinics, and Lincoln County Dental.  

Another kickoff event – a food and diaper drive – is being held Friday, Sept. 18. People can bring donations to UnitedWay’s front door or donate by texting HELP4UW to 41444.  The drive is being held in cooperation with the eight other United Ways in Maine.  

United Way of Mid Coast Maine supports 37 local non-profit agencies that provide immediate, practical help for Midcoast residents, helping them improve their health and financial stability, and offer the best start for children. Last year, United Way of Mid Coast Maine and its partner agencies helped over 20,000 people with housing, food access, prescription assistance, literacy, senior services, childcare and more. It also distributed over 111,000 diapers to families in need.

United Way distributed another $261,000 this spring and summer to help meet the increased needs caused by the pandemic. Find more information on United Way’s results in improving lives at www.uwmcm.org