This year’s United Way of Mid Coast Maine campaign for the community will be launched Tuesday, Sept. 9. The theme of the Campaign is Building Blocks, as United Way donors help build better lives. By focusing on the core building blocks of education, financial stability, and health, United Way creates opportunities for Mid Coast residents to reach their potential.

“When you have a solid foundation, you can build a skyscraper,” said volunteer Campaign Chair Larissa Darcy. “You can build anything and everything. United Way helps us build stronger lives, and a stronger Mid Coast Maine community.”

Darcy, community banking regional vice president for the Bank of Maine, has served on the United Way Campaign Cabinet for several years, and also serves on the Brunswick Development Corporation and as a board member of the American Red Cross Midcoast Chapter. Darcy’s community involvement has also included the Brunswick Downtown Association, Merrymeeting Board of Realtors, and Southern Midcoast Chamber of Commerce. She lives in Brunswick with her husband and three sons.

“Your United Way donation has a tremendous impact,” said Darcy. “You help local people who are hungry or homeless build financial stability. You make it possible for people of all ages to be safe, build connections, and stay healthy. You help young people and children build a solid foundation for success in school and lifelong health and financial stability. This is truly a campaign for all of us, and we will ask everyone we can reach to please consider giving to local people and our community.”

Anyone who has not typically been reached by United Way is encouraged to be part of the community-wide campaign by calling the office at 443-9752. The generosity of the Mid Coast community made it possible last year for approximately 20,000 people to receive needed help through United Way’s 37 partner agencies. United Way volunteers also work on initiatives to address root causes of problems and advance long-lasting solutions for Mid Coast Maine.

The Campaign Kick-off will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. There will be refreshments, announcement of the goal, and informal remarks by community volunteers. People are encouraged to bring a donation of diapers which will be distributed to area programs serving young families. United Way is raising awareness that many families cannot afford the cost of diapers, on average over $1,200 a year per child, and that an adequate supply of diapers is essential to a baby’s mental and physical health. All interested members of the public are invited to attend the Kick-off. To RSVP call United Way at 207-443-9752 or email info@uwmcm.org.

United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. For more information on results of giving, check the website: www.uwmcm.org.