January eNews - Our Work in the Community
Click here to download a copy of the newsletter (.pdf)
A note from the editor:
A new year marks the beginning of many things, one of which may be
giving back to the community you live and work in. If you feel strongly
about issues concerning education, income or health, have a closer look
at the work we do and the ways you can give. I hope you enjoy this month's update on our work in the community!
- Adam Mullen
The Pantry Project is underway!
United Way of Eastern Maine has joined with Good Shepherd Food Bank for The Pantry Project, a program aimed at feeding hungry people January through April.
Three
years ago, specially branded shelving units were provided at discount
by Home Depot - these shelves will be delivered to participating
companies around Eastern Maine. Employees and customers will fill the
shelves and box the food, then deliver it to Good Shepherd for
distribution. Each company will keep the shelving for one month and
pass it on to the next month's company. Five or six units will be used
at any given time. One box of food holds about 27 meals.
The following companies have Pantry Project shelving for the month of January: Central Middle School, Camden National Bank, Hollywood Slots, Marden's, Sam's Club, and United Way of Eastern Maine. Stop by and donate today!
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
In 2008, our first Neighbors Helping Neighbors small grant program
engaged community groups and organizations, local governments, faith
based groups, and other non-profit groups to conduct and provide a
variety of activities with the goal of aiding families and individuals
to safely get through the winter.
Efforts included, but were not
limited to: finding donated or favorably-priced supplies for
winterization projects, securing funds for fuel, food and other
necessities, training in energy saving methods, providing warming
centers and providing neighborhood watch groups to check on area
residents most at risk.
For 2012, we are proud to announce the recipients for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors grants:
- Town of Hermon - Town Fuel Relief Program
- St. Paul the Apostle Parish - Matthew 25 Fuel Assistance Program
- Machias Food Pantry
- ICare Ministries - Benevolence Fuel Program
- St. Andrew Lutheran Church - Down East Table of Plenty Program
- Harbor House - MDI Community Campfire Coalition Program
- Washington County Food & Fuel Alliance
- City of Bangor - Emergency Heating Assistance Program
- Maine Seacoast Mission - Emergency Fuel Assistance Program
- Cobscook Community Learning Center - Warming Center Program
- Waldo CAP - Keep Waldo Warm Program
- Town of Lincoln - Heating Fuel Assistance Donation Fund Program
- Town of Dixmont - Dixmont Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program
- Brewer Christian Food Cupboard
Eastern Maine CA$H Coalition
Eastern Maine CA$H (Creating Assets, $avings, and Hope) Coalition is
offering free tax preparation to qualified individuals and families.
IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers will prepare federal and state
income taxes free and will connect eligible people to free financial
programs and services in the community.
Mainers can dial 2-1-1 to find where and when a tax preparation site is available nearest them.
December eNews - Our Work in the Community
Click here to download a copy of the newsletter (.pdf)
A note from the editor:
As our annual campaign wraps up and we get closer to the holidays, it is
important to let you know what is happening within our community and
with our partners. From fantastic company campaigns to heating assistance fundraising and local volunteerism, there is plenty to be proud of here in Eastern Maine. Enjoy, and have a great holiday season!
- Adam Mullen
A record-breaking campaign year!
In September, Bangor Hydro-Electric set their goal for this year's annual campaign at $105,000 - just over
8% higher than their previous year's campaign. A lofty goal, to be
sure, but they felt they could reach it with some hard work and
dedication.
A couple months and a blueberry cook-off fundraiser later, the campaign total came in...at $112,059!
What a success! This is nearly $15,000 more than last year, and over
$9,000 higher than their previous record. Our hats are off to you, Bangor Hydro! Thank you so much!
Several
other companies have also shown increases for this year's annual
campaign, including: Sargent Corporation, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney,
Old Town Canoe, Hollywood Slots, and Gross, Minsky & Mogul.
Congratulations to everyone that increased their campaign totals!
Keeping Maine Families Warm
It's no secret that winter in Maine can be wicked
cold - it is one thing we are known for! As the snow starts to fly and
we feel those subzero mornings once again, it's important to remember
that some of our neighbors are struggling to stay warm.
In response to anticipated cuts to LIHEAP funding, United Way of Eastern Maine came up with the Keeping Maine Families Warm program - a way to help ease the financial burden of those families struggling to heat their homes this winter.
Dysart's, R.H. Foster, and Fox Brook Variety stores
are selling the blue house cut-outs for a donation of
$1.00 or more to help fund this program. Stop in to your nearest store
and put your name on one today!
Volunteerism is alive in Eastern Maine!
United Way of Eastern Maine hosted the third annual Day of Caring in
late October, which focused on matching workplace and community
volunteers with various service projects of local non-profit
organizations. With more than 45 volunteers completing 8 different
education-focused projects across the area, the entire process was a
great success!
The participating agencies included: Good Samaritan, Penobscot Nation
Boys & Girls Club, Big Brother Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine,
KidCare America (Lincoln), Bangor Public Library Children's Department,
Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, and Penquis Journey House. Thank you for supplying the volunteer opportunities on these projects!
The
volunteers came from local businesses and organizations, including:
CES, Inc., Hollywood Slots, Greater Old Town Communities That Care,
Mattanawcook Academy National Honors Society, People's United Bank, and
the University of Maine. Thank you all for volunteering to better our community!
November eNews - Our Work in the Community
Click here to download a copy of the newsletter (.pdf)
The Backpack Program expands into RSU 64
On
October 21st UWEM, Safe Place food pantry, and RSU 64 (Bradford,
Corinth, Hudson, Kenduskeag and Stetson) kicked off their Backpack
Program with 16 students participating.
This Backpack
Program focuses on two of our primary goals for creating lasting change
in the community: Education and Health. At-risk children in RSU 64
grades K-2 receive a backpack filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare
food that they take home with them Friday afternoon so they may have
food to eat over the weekend and will return on Monday ready to learn.
Agency of Distinction - The Game Loft
On
October 20th, United Way of Eastern Maine held this year's Annual
Meeting, where several awards and recognitions were given - one of which
recognizes a particular agency partner that goes above and beyond to
help our community here in Eastern Maine. This year's Agency of
Distinction Award was given to The Game Loft.
Ray
Estabrook and his wife Patricia started The Game Loft and have been
helping the youth of Waldo county since 1998. Using a combination of
graduated non-electronic games, community involvement, academic support,
guidance, advocacy, and mentoring, youth between ages 6 and 18 find the
support and activities they are looking for at The Game Loft.
Based
in Belfast with a satellite program in Unity, The Game Loft helps over
160 youth members in Waldo county develop into vibrant individuals.
Smooch A Pooch!
CES, Inc. started their United Way campaign earlier this fall with a wonderful
idea: A Smooch-A-Pooch campaign! Several canine candidates were chosen,
and the winning pooch would be "smooched" by Denis St. Peter, the CEO.
Denis was pretty averse to the idea initially, but decided to go
through with it because it was for United Way.
Kay Allcroft, HR Manager at CES and their United Way campaign
coordinator, started the fundraiser and carried through with inspiring
dedication. On October 20th they held their United Way presentation -
and unveiled the success of their Smooch-A-Pooch campaign: Nearly $400
was raised just to have Denis "smooch the pooch".
There was just one catch...
There was a three-way tie for first place! Three of the dogs had the
same amount raised on their behalf, and each was over $70! Denis was a
great sport and agreed to allow all three dogs to kiss him. What a
success! Congratulations on a job well done!
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