BATH — United Way of Mid Coast Maine is 40 percent of the way to its 2011 campaign goal of $1.9 million.

As of last week the organization had raised more than $760,000 since the campaign began last month. The endeavor wraps up Nov. 9.

“We are doing this on behalf of about 20,000 people who will need help in the coming year,” said campaign Chairman Earle Harvey, who is president and CEO of Border Trust. “We know that the more people who donate now, the more people who will get the help they need.”

Donations can be sent to United Way’s Mid Coast headquarters at 34 Wing Farm Parkway, or donors can call 443-9752.

A Leadership Giving Challenge matches the donations of people who increase their donation to $500 or more, as well as the increases of those already donating at that leadership or “Keel Club” level. Seven couples have jointly pledged $15,000 to supply that match incentive for added giving, the organization said.

A food drive organized around United Way’s campaign kick-off at local workplaces had secured 4,000 pounds of food as of last week to help those in need.

“This amazing result exemplifies not only the generosity of people in Mid Coast Maine, but also the power of what we can accomplish when we live united,” Harvey said, giving a nod to United Way’s slogan. “United Way is the partner that pulls us all together, to do what’s best for our community.”

Among campaign highlights so far are more than $169,000 from the Bath Iron Works Sustained Givers and $49,000 from Mid Coast Health Services sustained givers.

United Way funds 40 local agencies, according to the organization.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @learics.