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United Way campaign kicks off

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FARMINGTON – A ring of table displays depicting the work the United Way of the Tri-Valley supports helped kick off the 29th annual campaign to raise $395,000 this year.

Crystal Cook, operations manager at the United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem, said the funding allocated through United Way helps support the thrift shops, food cupboards, housing repair and community outreach programs of the ministry.


Crystal Cook, operations manager at the United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem, said she is worried about being able to help all the families who will need extra help this winter because of rising prices.

“The support of the United Way is very important to us. We wouldn’t be able to continue without its help,” Cook said. The ministry will celebrate its 40th year of helping those in need next year. The food cupboard has 250 people on its roster, but that number is growing as tough economic times force families to seek help in paying for food and fuel for the first time.

Additionally, after the Phillips food cupboard closed in July, the Salem food pantry picked up 50 new families.

“We’re averaging two new families a week now,” Cook said. As winter approaches, she added, “I’m really worried about how our clients will get what they need.”

Leading the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area’s fund raising event this year are Charlie and Chandler Woodcock of Farmington. 

“We’re going to raise $395,000,” said Chandler Woodcock. “The key is this is a time of extraordinary need, but I’m confident because we have a very caring community.” He added this United Way has decided to focus its priorities on immediate human needs, including fuel, food, housing, medication and clothing. Also, it intends to support programs that serve the elderly and children, such as free health screenings, education, home care and mental health and programs that provide transportation services.

According to its web site: uwtva.org United Way of the Tri-valley Area lists as having supported the following agencies: Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Franklin County Children’s Task Force, Girl Scouts of Kennebec Council, Pathway Partners, Western Maine Community Action, LEAP, Inc.(Life Enrichment Advancing People), Literacy Volunteers of Franklin & Somerset Counties, Rural Community Action Ministry, United Methodist Economic Ministry, Western Maine Transportation Services, Inc., Work First, Inc., Center for Community Dental Health, Healthy Community Coalition, Tri-County Mental Health Services, Advisory Council on Transition, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, Franklin County Animal Shelter, HealthReach Network-R.S.V.P., SeniorsPlus, Abused Women’s Advocacy Project, American Red Cross-United Valley Chapter and Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services (SAVES).

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