BATH — United Way of Mid Coast Maine expects this year’s fundraising campaign to raise more than $1.91 million in pledges and exceed its goal by a scant $702.

This year’s goal was down from the goal of $1.93 million a year ago. The 2013 campaign to improve the lives of local people netted $1.9 million.

The organization, which supports social service agencies in Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties, and Brunswick and Harpswell in Cumberland County, wrapped up its campaign Nov. 13 at Bowdoin College.

“It’s great to think about what good news this means for the thousands of people who will be helped in the coming year,” campaign Chairwoman Larissa Darcy, regional vice president of The Bank of Maine, said in a United Way press release. “All of us together, united, have made sure that they will not be forgotten about, but instead will be helped to a better life.”

Darcy noted that to reach the anticipated total, the campaign needs help from many people who give outside of a workplace, and who do so toward the end of the year, according to the press release.

Donations can go to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530. Donors can also call 443-9752 to give by credit card, contribute stocks or securities, ask to be billed, or give each month through credit card or bank debit.

Bath Iron Works led the way among Mid-Coast organizations, raising more than $700,000, according to United Way.

“Over 5,000 employees who work in different departments, locations, and shifts, have come together again, on behalf of our community,” Darcy said, telling those employees that “(t)housands of people will be able to improve their lives because of this generosity. We owe you so much, and we are so grateful to you.”

About 20,000 Mid-Coast residents were aided in 2013 by United Way and its 37 area partner agencies. Log onto uwmcm.org for more information.

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

Winter readiness pays off

BRUNSWICK — People who want to prepare their vehicles for winter driving can do so Saturday, Nov. 22, while at the same time helping those in need.

Workers at Autometrics, 121 Bath Road, will donate time and earnings that day, with customers’ bills donated to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, and to its Success By 6: Early Childhood initiative.

Call Autometrics at 729-0842 to schedule an appointment for Saturday morning. Oil changes, tire work and inspections can also be handled.

— Alex Lear

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Loaned executives and members of United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s campaign cabinet display the total amount expected to be raised from this year’s campaign at last week’s campaign finale in Brunswick.

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